HPV Vaccine
Private HPV Vaccination (Gardasil 9) – Ages 9 to 45+
We are one of the few clinics in London to offer HPV vaccination to adults over the age of 45.
Unlike many providers who cap eligibility, we recognise that protection against HPV-related cancers remains important at any age. Whether you are 9 or 90, you can access the Gardasil 9 (9-valent) vaccine here.
Price: £180 per dose (See the patient information leaflet here)
Total Transparency: There are no consultation fees or hidden charges.
| Feature | Details |
| Vaccine Used | Gardasil 9 (9-Valent) – The most comprehensive protection available. |
| Who is it for? | Men & Women aged 9 to 45+ (No upper age limit). |
| Cost | £180 per dose. |
| Doses Needed | 2 or 3 doses for most adults (Subject to consultation). |
| Protection | Cervical, Anal, Throat, & Head/Neck Cancers + Genital Warts. |
NHS eligibility:
If you do not meet the strict NHS eligibility criteria, you will need to arrange a private HPV vaccination. This applies to:
– All women aged 25 and over
– Men born before 1 September 2006
– All adults over the age of 45
While some high-risk groups, such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), can access the NHS vaccine up to the age of 45, the NHS does not provide the HPV vaccine to anyone over this age.
Book your private HPV vaccination appointment today: 
Home visits are available for an additional fee (min £100). Please email info@hhpharmacy.co.uk for a quote.
What does the Gardasil 9 HPV Vaccine protect against?
Gardasil 9 offers the widest protection of any HPV vaccine currently available. It targets the 9 specific HPV strains (types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) that are responsible for the majority of HPV-related illnesses.
Specifically, it helps protect both men and women against:
- Cervical Cancer (approximately 90% of cases)
- Genital Warts (approximately 90% of cases)
- Anal Cancer
- Head & Neck (Throat) Cancers
- Vaginal, Vulvar, and Penile Cancers
By covering 5 more strains than the older vaccines (Gardasil 4 or Cervarix), it provides significantly broader protection against cancer-causing variants.
Long-term follow-up data show that protection lasts for at least 10 to 14 years, with no cases of high-grade disease reported in ongoing extension studies. This protection is expected to continue for much longer and may even be lifelong, though long-term studies are still ongoing.
Flexible Dosing Options: 2 or 3 Doses?
We understand that conflicting advice regarding the number of doses can be confusing. The NHS, the manufacturer (MSD), and international health bodies often provide different recommendations.
At Hampstead Heath Pharmacy, we do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach. Our specialist pharmacist prescriber, Mahyar Saremi, can offer you either the strict licensed schedule or the evidence-based “off-label” schedule, depending on your preference, budget, and medical history.
We will help you choose between these two paths during your consultation:
Option 1: The Licensed “Gold Standard” (3 Doses)
- Who is it for? Adults (15+) who want strict adherence to the manufacturer’s original clinical trial protocols.
- The Schedule: 3 doses given over 6 months (0, 2, and 6 months).
- Status: Fully licensed by the manufacturer.
- Why choose this? This offers the maximum peace of mind and is mandatory for individuals who are immunocompromised (e.g., HIV, immunosuppressive therapy).
- Cost: £540 total (£180 x 3).
Option 2: The Evidence-Based “Green Book” Schedule (2 Doses)
- Who is it for? Healthy adults who want excellent protection at a lower cost and with fewer clinic visits.
- The Schedule: 2 doses given 6 months apart (0 and 6 months).
- Status: “Off-label” (meaning it differs from the manufacturer’s original paperwork) but is supported by the UK Green Book (JCVI) and World Health Organisation based on extensive real-world data showing high effectiveness.
- Why choose this? It is more convenient, saves you money, and is widely accepted by medical experts as providing sufficient immunity for healthy individuals.
- Cost: £360 total (£180 x 2).
How do I decide?
You don’t need to decide now. Book your appointment, and our clinician will discuss the pros and cons of each schedule with you. We will review your medical history and help you make an informed decision that balances robust protection with cost-effectiveness.
Private HPV Vaccination for Adults Over 45 in London — No Upper Age Limit
Hampstead Heath (HH) Pharmacy is one of the few specialist vaccination clinics in London offering the private HPV vaccine to adults over 45 years of age. While many providers impose an arbitrary age cut-off at 45, the Gardasil 9 marketing authorisation in the UK does not specify an upper age limit.
According to the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) approved by the MHRA, Gardasil 9 is indicated for “active immunisation of individuals from the age of 9 years” — with no upper age restriction. Prescribing the Gardasil 9 vaccine to an adult over 45 is therefore fully within the terms of its UK marketing authorisation (on-label).
Clinical data supports this approach: immunogenicity studies have demonstrated that women aged 27–45 produce robust immune responses to all nine vaccine HPV types, with antibody levels shown to be non-inferior to those observed in younger women. Furthermore, the predecessor vaccine (Gardasil/qHPV) demonstrated 88.7% efficacy against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18-related diseases in women aged 24–45.
Who May Benefit from the HPV Vaccine Over 45?
Getting the HPV vaccine later in life can still offer crucial protection. You may benefit if you are:
- Re-entering the dating scene after divorce, separation, or bereavement — limited prior HPV exposure means vaccination still provides meaningful protection against new strains.
- Someone with few lifetime sexual partners — less exposure means the nine vaccine types are highly likely to offer new, preventative protection.
- In a long-term monogamous relationship but have had minimal exposure to high-risk HPV strains in the past.
- Concerned about HPV-related cancers — including throat, anal, penile, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
- Anyone who missed the NHS HPV vaccination programme as a teenager and wishes to gain private protection now.
At our Hampstead Heath Pharmacy, in North London (NW3), every patient receives a comprehensive individual consultation. Our specialist pharmacists will assess your circumstances and discuss the potential clinical benefits of the HPV vaccine for your specific age group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private HPV Vaccination
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is spread primarily through sexual contact with an infected partner, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as non-penetrative genital skin-to-skin contact. Nearly all sexually active people acquire HPV at some point in their lives. Condoms reduce but do not completely eliminate the risk, because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. HPV often has no symptoms, so a person can carry and transmit the virus without knowing.
Is there a cure or treatment for HPV?
No, there is currently no medical cure or treatment for the HPV virus itself. While the body’s immune system clears the virus on its own in most cases, persistent infections can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. Healthcare professionals can only treat the health problems caused by HPV (like removing warts or abnormal cervical cells), which is why preventative vaccination is so important.
Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?
Yes. Two specific types of HPV cause approximately 90% of all genital wart cases in both males and females, and the Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against both. Genital warts are highly contagious — approximately two-thirds of people will develop warts after genital contact with an infected partner. Because treatment for genital warts can be painful and they frequently recur (approximately 25–30% of cases recur within the first 3 months of treatment), vaccination is the most effective preventative measure.
How long does the HPV vaccine protection last?
Long-term follow-up studies show that protection from Gardasil 9 lasts at least 10–14 years, with no cases of high-grade HPV-related disease observed during this period. Protection is expected to last much longer and may be lifelong. Currently, no booster doses are recommended after completing the initial course.
Can males get HPV-related cancers?
Yes. HPV is not just a risk for women. In men, HPV can cause anal cancer, penile cancer, and cancers of the mouth and throat (oropharyngeal cancer), as well as genital warts. HPV-related throat cancer in men is increasing rapidly in the UK. The HPV vaccine helps protect males by preventing infection with these specific high-risk types, while also reducing the spread of the virus to their partners.
Why should adult men consider getting the private HPV vaccine?
Because the NHS HPV vaccination programme for boys only started in 2019, most adult men in the UK have been left unprotected. HPV is a leading cause of anal cancer and a major cause of throat, head, and neck cancers in men. Getting vaccinated privately at Hampstead Heath Pharmacy protects you against these cancers, prevents genital warts, and provides ‘herd immunity’ to protect your sexual partners. We provide a discreet, judgment-free space for men to get protected.
Can I get the HPV vaccine for free on the NHS?
The NHS offers the HPV vaccine for free to children aged 12 to 13 (in school Year 8), and to eligible individuals such as men who have sex with men (MSM) up to the age of 45 through sexual health clinics. There is also a catch-up programme for unvaccinated young people — eligible females up to age 25 and males born on or after 1 September 2006 up to age 25 can receive a free catch-up dose through their GP. If you fall outside these eligibility criteria—for example, if you missed out on HPV vaccination at school or are an adult looking to protect yourself—you can pay for a private HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) with us at Hampstead Heath Pharmacy.
Will sexually active adults benefit from the HPV vaccine?
Yes. Even if you have been sexually active with multiple partners, you are highly unlikely to have been exposed to all nine HPV types covered by the Gardasil 9 jab. The vaccine protects against any of the nine types you have not yet encountered. Studies show that even in sexually active adults, vaccination significantly reduces new HPV infections and related diseases.
Can I get the HPV vaccine if I already have HPV?
Yes. Even if you have been infected with one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect you against the other high-risk types covered by Gardasil 9 that you have not yet been exposed to. Infection with one HPV type does not prevent infection with another, meaning most people previously infected with HPV will still gain meaningful benefits from vaccination.
Can I get the HPV vaccine if I am over 45?
Yes. Hampstead Heath Pharmacy is one of the few UK providers offering private HPV vaccination to adults over 45. The Gardasil 9 marketing authorisation in the UK specifies use “from the age of 9 years” with no upper age limit, meaning prescribing it to adults over 45 is fully on-label. Medical evidence shows that the immune system continues to respond effectively to the vaccine later in life. If you are over 45 and anticipate new sexual partners, the vaccine will still provide robust protection against the high-risk HPV types you have not yet encountered.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes. HPV vaccines have an excellent safety record. Over 135 million doses have been administered worldwide, and independent health authorities, including the WHO, MHRA, and EMA, continually confirm its safety. The most common side effects are mild injection-site reactions (redness, pain, swelling) and headaches, which usually resolve quickly.
Can I get HPV or any related disease from the vaccine?
No. It is biologically impossible to get HPV, cervical cancer, genital warts, or any other HPV-related disease from the HPV vaccine. The vaccine does not contain any live virus, dead virus, or viral DNA. It is made from a single protein that mimics the outer shell of the virus, training your immune system to fight the real virus if you are ever exposed to it.
Do I need cervical screening before or after HPV vaccination?
No, you do not need a cervical screening or HPV test before booking your vaccine — you can begin your course immediately. However, you must continue to attend your routine NHS cervical screening appointments even after completing all doses, as the vaccine does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cervical cancer. The NHS offers free cervical screening every 3–5 years for women aged 25 to 64. Please do not ignore your screening invite.
Can I get the HPV vaccine if I am pregnant?
The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. While there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine harms you or your baby, it is standard medical practice to delay the vaccine until after your pregnancy is complete. If you find out you are pregnant after starting your vaccine course, you should wait until after giving birth to receive your remaining doses. It is safe to receive the vaccine while breastfeeding.
Book Your Private HPV Vaccination Today
Protect yourself and your loved ones against HPV-related cancers and genital warts. Available for all ages from 9 years — no upper age limit.
Home visits are available for an additional fee (min £100). Please email info@hhpharmacy.co.uk for a quote.
The deposit paid at the time of booking an appointment will be deducted from the total service cost when you visit us, provided you adhere to our cancellation policy.
Medical content reviewed by: Mahyar Saremi, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC: 2069409)
Last reviewed: February 2026 | Next review due: February 2027