Vaccines against infections with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses

Gardasil vaccinations: human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer and genital warts

Better2Know provides two Gardasil vaccinations to protect against potential human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

The Gardasil 4 vaccine protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil 9 is the only vaccine to protect against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Collectively, these types of HPV are responsible for most HPV-related cancers and diseases, including cervical cancer (types 16 and 18) and genital warts (types 6 and 11).

Gardasil will not protect you against any HPV types that you may already have, nor will it protect against all the high-risk types of the virus. It is therefore important for women to continue to attend routine smear tests and have routine HPV tests as well. Gardasil is licensed for women aged 9−26. However, anyone can choose to be vaccinated privately.

The Gardasil vaccine is given in the upper arm or thigh and two doses are currently recommended for protection.  The second vaccine should be given between 6 and 24 months after the first.  The UK is currently reviewing whether one dose may be enough. You do not need to have an HPV test prior to your vaccination but Better2Know can arrange a private HPV test for you if you would like to know your current status.

Hepatitis A vaccination

If you want to protect yourself from potential Hepatitis A infection, you should have 2 doses of the vaccine. The first dose protects you for 1 year but having a second dose 6−12 months after the first dose increases your immunity up to 20 years before you need a booster. The vaccine will be injected into the muscle of the upper arm. This vaccine is recommended for men who have sex with other men.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Anyone who is exposed to blood in the course of their employment (e.g. doctors, nurses, dentists and laboratory technicians) is strongly advised to have the Hepatitis B vaccine as they are more likely to have a needle stick injury, which can result in transmission of this common infection. This vaccine is also recommended for homosexual men.

The vaccine is given in the upper arm or thigh. You need 3 doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose, and the third dose is given 6 months after the first dose. If you need protection sooner, you can opt for the quick course: with the second dose given 1 week later and the third dose at 3 weeks later, but you will need a booster 1 year after this.

You are also advised to have a Hepatitis B immunity test at least 1 month after the third vaccine to check if the vaccine has worked. Better2Know can arrange this test and any certificates you might need.

Better2Know health check before vaccination

Your Better2Know doctor will check your general health before administering any of the above-mentioned vaccinations and may recommend postponing it if you have a high temperature, feel unwell or have been allergic to vaccines in the past. Your Better2Know doctor will check these with you.

Book your vaccines

Better2Know is the world’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. To arrange a clinic appointment, please call our friendly booking team on the number above.