What are the current recommendations for HPV vaccination in different age groups in the UK?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended primarily for girls aged 12–13 years as part of the national childhood immunisation programme in the United Kingdom. This vaccination should ideally be given before the individual becomes sexually active to ensure optimum effectiveness in preventing HPV infection and related cancers.

For females from age 16 years onwards, HPV vaccination is still encouraged if not previously vaccinated, alongside participation in the NHS cervical screening programme available to women aged 25–64 years.

The vaccine used is the nine-valent HPV vaccine, which provides protection not only against cervical cancer but also against anogenital warts and other vaginal, vulval, and anal HPV-related cancers.

Sexually active girls and women are advised to use additional barrier methods such as condoms to reduce the risk of HPV infection, although condom use does not fully eliminate transmission risk.

There is no specific mention of routine HPV vaccination recommendations for males or other age groups in the provided UK guidelines, indicating the focus remains on girls aged 12–13 years and catch-up vaccination for females from 16 years onwards.