Who is this service suitable for?
The service is suitable for adolescents and adults aged 12–45.
The vaccine is not suitable for anyone who:
- is pregnant or trying for a baby
- has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine
Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability in selected stores only. Excludes NI. All services are at the discretion of the pharmacist. Clubcard/app required to earn points.
How to book an appointment
Ask one of our pharmacists when shopping in store or book online via tesco.com/shop/en-GB/zone/flujab
How much does the service cost?
This vaccine is given in 1, 2 or 3 doses depending on your age and how well your immune system works:
- £180 1-dose course - under 25 years old
- £360 2-dose course - 25 years old and over
- £540 3-dose course - HIV-positive or weakened immune system
You can earn Clubcard points with this service (£1 spent = 1 point). Clubcard/app required.
What to expect from your appointment
You’ll receive each vaccination from a trained Tesco pharmacist in a private consultation room. It will be given in your upper arm, and the appointment will take around 20 minutes.
People under 25 usually have 1 dose.
People aged 25 to 45 usually have 2 doses (given between 6 months and 2 years apart).
People with a weakened immune system have 3 doses (given over a 12-month period).
What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus that often affects the mouth, throat and genital area. There are over 200 types of HPV. Most types are harmless, but infection with some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, cancer of the vagina or vulva, cancer of the anus, or genital warts.
Common symptoms
HPV is easy to catch and has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it.
Most cases are cleared from the body by the immune system, but some types of HPV infection can persist and lead to:
- cervical cancer
- cancer of the vagina or vulva
- cancer of the anus
- genital warts
How well does the HPV vaccination work?
Our service uses a vaccine called Gardasil 9, which helps protect against 9 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The HPV vaccine works very well in reducing your risk of getting HPV. Since the vaccine has been used, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV, such as cervical cancer and genital warts. Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK.
Can I have a vaccination if I feel unwell?
If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, wait until you're feeling better before having your vaccination.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are mild and get better within a few days. They can include:
- pain or tenderness at the injection site
- headache
- high temperature
- dizziness
- feeling sick
- tiredness
Who is at risk?
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for HPV, as it's extremely common and spreads through skin-to-skin contact during any sexual activity, but risk increases with multiple partners, starting sexual activity early, or having a weakened immune system (like from HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs).
Am I eligible for a free NHS vaccination?
In England, a free NHS HPV vaccination is available as part of the NHS childhood vaccination program and is routinely offered to adolescents who are:
- aged 12 to 13 years old (Year 8 at school)
- aged 24 and under who missed the vaccination in school
- aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
It is also available at a sexual health or HIV clinic for:
- men who have sex with men (MSM) up to and including 45 years of age
- transgender people, if their risk of getting HPV is similar to that of MSM who are eligible for the HPV vaccines
If trans men have previously completed a course of HPV vaccination as part of the school vaccination programme, no further doses are needed.
Is there anything else I need to know about my appointment?
The vaccination will be given in the upper arm, so it’s helpful to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up.