Before we get to some suggestions as to how you can answer these questions for your child, it will help to have some background information.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. Most types of HPV are harmless, but some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer and can cause genital warts. HPV can affect the mouth, throat or genital areas and is usually spread through intimate contact.
Most people will get some type of HPV in their life but might not realise they have it. This is because HPV infection does not usually cause any symptoms.
The HPV vaccine provides protection from some types of HPV that can lead to certain cancers and genital warts. It works very well in reducing HPV infection.
The vaccine is offered to all young people in S1 at secondary school in Scotland.
Since the HPV vaccine has been used, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV. Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save lives.
When your child is in S1 and eligible for the HPV vaccine, they will receive a vaccine consent pack from school and will come home with information and a consent form. You and your child can chat about the risks of HPV infection, and the benefits of getting the vaccine now. It’s a decision you should make together. If you both consent, you can return the consent form to the school.
One question that parents often ask is why the HPV vaccine is offered so young? This is because the vaccine is most effective if it is given at this age when the young person’s body makes a stronger and more effective immune response and before they are likely to have come into contact with the virus. Exposure to the HPV virus is most likely to happen when older teenagers might have their first sexual experiences.
There is more information about the HPV vaccine here www.nhsinform.scot/hpv If your child misses the HPV vaccine you can contact your local team at the NHS to find out how to rearrange it: You can find their contact details here: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations
3, 4 and 5-year-olds
6, 7 and 8-year-olds
Children of this age are unlikely to ask this question, but they can overhear conversations with older siblings.
HPV is a virus. A virus is an infection that a person can get. Other viruses are things like a cold or a flu or chickenpox. If you ever get a virus and don’t feel well, we will look after you and you will get better.
9 and 10-year-olds
At this age children might overhear conversations, or there might be chat at school about the vaccine as something that happens at high school.
HPV is a virus. A virus is an infection that a person can get. Other viruses are things like a cold or a flu or chickenpox. If you ever get a virus and don’t feel well, we will look after you and you will get better.
When you are in high school you will be offered the HPV vaccine, as an injection in your upper arm, that will protect you from this virus called HPV. If you get the vaccine, you are protected when you are a grown up from some types of HPV that can cause cancer.
11 and 12 year-olds
13, 14 and 15 year-olds
The HPV vaccine will be offered to young people in S1 at secondary school. This information will support your conversations at home.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. Some types of HPV are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer and can cause genital warts. HPV is usually spread through intimate contact.
The vaccine is offered to all young people in S1 at secondary school to help protect from some types of HPV.
The HPV vaccine works best if you get it when you’re 11 or 12 or 13 years old, when your body makes a stronger and more effective immune response, and before you’re likely to come into contact with the virus.
You will get information about the HPV vaccine at school to bring home, and we can chat about it. We are both asked to give our consent.
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection in your upper arm. The needle used is small and it feels like a scratch or a sting, it’s over in a few seconds. If you have any questions on the day, you can speak to your vaccinator.
If you miss having the vaccine or decide to have it later, we can speak to our local NHS immunisation team.
16, 17 and 18 year-olds
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. Most types of HPV are harmless, but some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer and can cause genital warts. HPV can affect the mouth, throat or genital areas and is usually spread through intimate contact.
To help reduce the harm caused by HPV a vaccine is offered to girls and boys in S1. The vaccine protects from some types of HPV. It works very well in reducing the risk of HPV infection.
If you missed the vaccine in S1 you may still be able to get it now. We can speak to our local NHS immunisation team; we can find their contact details at www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations