The legal framework
The United Kingdom vaccinates in schools, has offered the vaccine to boys as well as girls since 2019, and moved to a single dose for young people in 2023. Cervical screening uses the HPV test as the primary test, with cytology only where HPV is found. The health service has set a target of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.
Key points
| School programme | Offered in year 8; girls since 2008, boys since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Doses | A single dose for young people since 2023 |
| Catch-up | Available up to 25 through the school programme route |
| Men who have sex with men | Offered through sexual health clinics up to age 45 |
| Screening | HPV primary testing, ages 25 to 64 |
| Self-sampling | Being introduced for people who do not attend screening |
| Cost | Vaccination and screening are free on the health service |
In practice
- If your child missed the school session, contact the school immunisation team: catch-up is free.
- Attend when invited for screening — intervals have lengthened because HPV testing is more sensitive, not less.
- Men who have sex with men can ask for the vaccine at a sexual health clinic up to 45.
- Vaccination does not replace screening.
Cost and coverage
Vaccination and screening are free.
Recent changes
The move to a single dose in 2023 followed evidence that one dose gives protection comparable to two in young people.
Where to go
- School immunisation teams and GP practices.
- NHS cervical screening programme.
- Sexual health clinics for eligible adults.
Worth knowing
A longer screening interval is not a reduction in care. HPV testing detects risk earlier and more reliably than the old smear, which is why five years between tests is safe for those who test negative.
Official sources and links
- NHS — sexual health — free testing and treatment, self-referral to clinics
- Terrence Higgins Trust — HIV and sexual health charity, free advice
- BHIVA — national clinical guidelines
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised