Side effects

Side effects of HPV immunisation are quite mild. Clinical trials with thousands of young women have shown that the vaccine is very safe. The vaccine meets the rigorous safety standards required for its use in the UK and other European countries.

The vaccine doesn’t contain the virus so you can’t get an HPV infection from it.

The side effects of the immunisation are quite mild — your arm may be a bit sore, swollen or red for a few days. Other occasional reactions to the HPV jab are headache, tiredness, aching muscles and raised temperature.

Very rarely, someone might have what’s called an anaphylactic reaction and find it hard to breathe. The nurse who gives the HPV jab will know how to treat all these side effects.

If you have any concerns or queries speak to your nurse or doctor.