What Is HPV and Why Should People in Medway Care
What Is HPV and Why Should People in Medway Care?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely widespread, in fact, most adults will be exposed to it at some point in their lives, often without ever realising. For people living across Medway, understanding HPV and how vaccination can reduce long-term health risks is an important part of taking control of your wellbeing.
HPV is not a single virus but a large group of more than 200 related types. Many strains are harmless and are cleared naturally by the immune system. However, some high-risk types are responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and are also linked to cancers affecting the throat, anus, penis, vagina and vulva. Other lower-risk strains cause the majority of genital warts cases seen in the UK.
HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. Penetrative sex is not required, any intimate contact can transmit the virus. While condoms can lower the risk, they do not provide complete protection because HPV can infect areas of skin that are not covered.
This is why vaccination remains one of the most reliable ways to protect yourself against the most harmful HPV strains. At Chatham Pharmacy, we help residents across Medway access private HPV vaccination locally, offering peace of mind and proactive protection for the future.
Current HPV Statistics in the UK – What They Mean for Medway Residents
Recent figures published by Cancer Research UK highlight why HPV prevention continues to be such an important public-health issue across the country — including for communities in Medway.
Key findings show:
Around 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year
Rates are 65% higher in more deprived areas
HPV is linked to 99.8% of cervical cancer cases
Vaccination coverage varies widely between locations, with some areas reporting uptake below 30%, while others exceed 90%
There is, however, very encouraging news. Research shows that HPV vaccination has been close to eliminating cervical cancer in people born after 1995 who received their jabs at the recommended school-age schedule. Among those who had their first dose at 12–13 years old and completed the course, no cervical cancer cases have been identified to date.
For adults who missed their school vaccinations, are now over 25, or simply want added reassurance about their future health, private HPV vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and gain peace of mind.
Gardasil 9 – The Leading HPV Vaccine
Gardasil 9 is the most advanced HPV vaccine currently used in the UK, offering protection against nine different HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. These strains are responsible for the vast majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts, which is why Gardasil 9 is considered the gold standard in prevention.
Cancer-Linked HPV Types Covered
16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
Types 16 and 18 account for around 80% of cervical cancers
Types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause a further 15%
Together, these seven strains are linked to around 90% of cervical cancers
They are also associated with cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva
Help lower the risk of throat and mouth cancers
Reduce cases of penile cancer
Wart-Causing Types Covered
6 and 11
Responsible for about 90% of genital warts
Lower the chance of passing HPV to partners
Help prevent repeated flare-ups and the need for ongoing treatments
How the Vaccine Works
Gardasil 9 uses virus-like particles, proteins shaped like HPV but without any genetic material. This allows your immune system to learn how to recognise the virus safely, so it can respond quickly if you are exposed in the future.
Protection begins building after your first dose, and research shows that a full course provides:
96–100% effectiveness against targeted strains
Long-lasting immunity for at least 10 years, with no evidence of decline
Some protection against closely related HPV types
Comparable protection from two doses versus three when given at the correct intervals
This makes Gardasil 9 one of the most effective preventative vaccines available today and a key part of reducing HPV-related disease across Medway.
Who Should Consider HPV Vaccination in Medway?
HPV vaccination is recommended for a wide range of people — not just teenagers in school programmes. Across Medway, many residents either missed earlier vaccination opportunities or now want private protection for themselves or their families.
Below are the main groups who often benefit from booking an HPV vaccine locally.
Missed School Vaccination (Under 25s)
If you are under 25 and did not receive your HPV jabs at school, you may still be able to access them for free through the NHS until your 25th birthday. However, many people are unaware of this option, and GP practices can sometimes have long waiting times.
At Chatham Pharmacy, we frequently see young adults who would rather arrange fast, private appointments to complete their vaccination course without delays.
Adults Aged 25–45
Once you reach 25, the NHS no longer routinely provides HPV vaccination for most people — but that does not mean it is no longer worthwhile.
The vaccine is licensed and shown to be effective up to the age of 45. Adults often choose private vaccination if they:
Are entering new relationships
Want to reduce future cancer risk
Missed vaccination when younger
Prefer convenient local access
Private vaccination offers peace of mind and long-term protection against the most harmful HPV strains.
Parents Choosing Private HPV Vaccination for Children
Although the NHS offers HPV vaccination in Year 8 (ages 12–13), some families in Medway decide on private vaccination for specific reasons, including:
Children who missed school sessions or are anxious about needles
Home-educated children
Families seeking protection from age 9
International households following different vaccination schedules
Private appointments can offer greater flexibility and a calmer, one-to-one environment.
If you are unsure whether HPV vaccination is right for you, our trained team can discuss your situation and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
HPV Vaccine Schedule and Dosing at Chatham Pharmacy
HPV vaccination guidance has evolved in recent years, and understanding how many doses you need and when, is key to getting full protection. At Chatham Pharmacy, we follow current UK clinical guidance to ensure residents across Medway receive safe, effective and correctly timed vaccination.
Below is a clear breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
Current HPV Dosing Schedules
Under 25 Years Old
Some NHS school programmes now use a single-dose schedule for this age group based on updated public-health guidance.
At Chatham Pharmacy:
Price per dose: £155
Our clinicians will discuss whether additional doses may be appropriate depending on circumstances
Aged 25 and Over
For most adults aged 25+, the standard private schedule is:
Two doses, given at least six months apart
£155 per dose
Total cost: £310 for the full course
This schedule offers strong long-term protection against the most harmful HPV strains.
Immunocompromised Individuals (Any Age)
People with weakened immune systems usually require a longer course:
Three doses at 0, 1 and 4 months
£155 per dose
Total cost: £465
This includes people living with HIV, those taking immunosuppressive medication, or anyone with medical conditions that affect immune response.
Important Information About Dose Timing
If your second HPV dose is given too close to the first, an additional dose may be needed to ensure long-lasting immunity. Research shows that correct spacing between injections leads to a stronger and more durable immune response.
If you are late for your follow-up dose, don’t worry — there is no upper time limit. Even if several years have passed since your first injection, you can usually complete the course without restarting from the beginning.
The NHS introduced a single-dose approach for under-25s in school programmes from 2023 following expert review. However, vaccine manufacturers continue to recommend multi-dose schedules in some settings, which is why private services may still advise two doses for optimal protection depending on age and risk factors.
Our team at Chatham Pharmacy will guide you through the most appropriate schedule for your situation and help you plan your appointments with confidence.
Side Effects and Safety of the HPV Vaccine
It is completely natural to have questions about vaccine safety. Gardasil 9 has now been administered hundreds of millions of times worldwide, including many millions of doses in the UK, and is backed by extensive long-term monitoring. Large-scale studies consistently show that the vaccine has a strong safety record and is very well tolerated.
At Chatham Pharmacy, our trained clinicians follow strict clinical protocols and are always available to discuss any concerns before or after your appointment.
Common Side Effects
Some people experience mild, short-lived effects after vaccination, usually settling within 24–48 hours.
At the injection site:
Soreness, redness or swelling
Mild bruising
A warm or heavy feeling in the arm
General symptoms:
Light headache
Slight temperature (typically below 38°C)
Tiredness
Muscle aches
These reactions are part of your immune system responding to the vaccine. Paracetamol can be taken if needed and does not reduce how well the vaccine works.
Rare Side Effects
Serious reactions are extremely uncommon, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people. These may include:
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) — our staff are fully trained to manage this
Feeling faint, which is more often related to anxiety about injections rather than the vaccine itself
Marked swelling of the arm
After your vaccination, we ask you to remain in the pharmacy for around 15 minutes so we can monitor for any immediate reactions and make sure you feel well before leaving.
Severe complications are extraordinarily rare, and the vast majority of patients experience either no side effects or only mild, temporary symptoms.
Who Should Not Receive the HPV Vaccine?
Most people can safely have the HPV vaccine, but there are a small number of situations where vaccination is not advised straight away.
When HPV Vaccination Should Be Avoided
Absolute contraindications include:
A severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine (including yeast)
A serious reaction to a previous HPV dose
Pregnancy — vaccination should be delayed until after delivery
When Vaccination May Need to Be Postponed
In some cases, it is best to wait before having your injection, such as:
Having a high fever or acute illness
Recent COVID-19 infection (usually waiting around four weeks is advised)
Breastfeeding is considered safe, as the vaccine does not pass into breast milk.
If you have a history of allergies or medical conditions, Mandeep Sandhu will go through everything with you during your consultation to ensure vaccination is appropriate and safe for you.
HPV Vaccine Cost in Medway – Clear, Transparent Pricing at Chatham Pharmacy
Private HPV vaccination prices can vary widely depending on location, provider and additional fees. Across the UK, it is not unusual to see charges ranging from £150 to over £200 per dose at some clinics.
At Chatham Pharmacy, we believe in straightforward, upfront pricing for residents across Medway — with no surprise extras.
Chatham Pharmacy HPV Vaccine Pricing
We provide the Gardasil 9 vaccine at:
£155 per dose
Two-dose course (most adults): £310 total
Three-dose course (immunocompromised): £465 total
Our price includes:
✔️ Clinical consultation
✔️ Vaccine and administration
✔️ Aftercare advice
✔️ Vaccination record
There are no booking fees, no consultation add-ons and no certificate charges.
How Our Pricing Compares
In larger cities and central locations, private HPV vaccination is often priced higher due to overheads and clinic fees.
Across the UK, typical private costs can include:
Large pharmacy chains:
Around £165–£190 per dose, often with limited appointment availability
Private GP services and specialist clinics:
£180–£220 per dose in premium locations
Extra charges sometimes added elsewhere:
Consultation fees of £30–£50
Online booking charges
Fees for vaccination certificates
At Chatham Pharmacy, the price you are quoted is the final price, helping you plan your vaccination course with confidence.
Payment methods accepted: cash, card or bank transfer. We can also provide separate receipts for each dose if you are claiming from different sources.
If you would like to confirm pricing, availability or booking options, our friendly team at Chatham Pharmacy will be happy to help.
Getting Your HPV Vaccine at Chatham Pharmacy
Booking your HPV vaccination with us is quick and straightforward, no phone queues, no complicated paperwork, and no long waits.
We offer a simple online booking system so patients across Medway can secure appointments at a time that suits them.
How to Book
Appointments are made online, allowing you to:
Choose a convenient time and date
Book first or follow-up doses easily
Avoid waiting on the phone
Access fast availability
We regularly offer same-day or next-day slots when available, and evening or weekend appointments are popular — so booking ahead is recommended.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your visit to Chatham Pharmacy is calm, professional and efficient. It will usually include:
A brief consultation about your medical history
Discussion of your dosing schedule and any concerns
Administration of the vaccine into the upper arm
A short 15-minute observation period afterwards
Booking your follow-up dose if needed
Our experienced team will make sure you feel informed and supported at every step of your HPV vaccination journey.
After Your HPV Vaccination at Chatham Pharmacy
Once your vaccine has been given, our team will make sure you leave feeling informed and supported.
We provide:
A vaccination record including batch details
Written aftercare guidance and side-effect information
Reminders for your next dose if required
Advice on who to contact if you have any concerns
You can return to your usual activities straight away. It is common for the injection site to feel a little sore or tender for a day or two, this is completely normal and simply shows your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Why Choose Chatham Pharmacy for HPV Vaccination?
When it comes to protecting your long-term health, choosing a trusted local provider really matters. At Chatham Pharmacy, we combine clinical leadership, rigorous safety standards and easy access for patients across Medway.
Our Clinical Expertise
Accredited Vaccination Centre We are registered with NaTHNaC as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — which means we meet nationally recognised standards for vaccine storage, handling and administration. This accreditation reflects strict cold-chain monitoring, regular audits and advanced vaccination training, giving you confidence that your HPV vaccine is delivered to the highest clinical standards.
Superintendent Pharmacist Leadership Our service is overseen by Mandeep Sandhu, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance and quality care at every appointment.
Vaccines Ready in Stock Unlike clinics that only order vaccines once bookings are made, we routinely keep HPV vaccines available — allowing same-day or short-notice appointments when possible.
Serving the Medway Area
We proudly welcome patients from across Medway, including:
Chatham
Gillingham
Rochester
Rainham
Strood
Easy to Reach
139 New Road, Chatham, ME4 4PT
Chatham Pharmacy offers:
Convenient high-street access
Ground-floor entry
Nearby transport links
A professional, welcoming environment
Our goal is to make private HPV vaccination simple, safe and accessible for everyone in Medway
What Makes Chatham Pharmacy Different?
When choosing where to have your HPV vaccine, it’s not just about price, it’s about safety, expertise and the overall experience. At Chatham Pharmacy, we’ve built our Medway vaccination service around convenience, transparency and high clinical standards.
Here’s what sets us apart.
Clear, All-Inclusive Pricing
Our £155 per dose fee includes everything:
Vaccine and administration
Clinical consultation
Aftercare advice
Vaccination record
No booking fees. No surprise extras. Just straightforward pricing.
Flexible, Online Booking
We make it easy to fit vaccination into busy schedules with:
Simple online booking
Fast appointment availability
Options for follow-up dose scheduling
Efficient in-pharmacy visits
More Than Just HPV Vaccination
We don’t only provide HPV jabs, we offer a wide range of private vaccinations and preventative health services, meaning you can manage multiple health needs in one trusted local setting.
Follow-Up Support
Completing your vaccine course is important. We help by:
Reminding you when your next dose is due
Making follow-up appointments easy to book
Answering questions between visits
Private, Professional Clinical Setting
Your vaccination is carried out in a dedicated consultation room, not behind a screen or in a busy shop area, giving you privacy, comfort and time to ask questions.
Expert-Led, Accredited Care
Our service is overseen by Mandeep Sandhu and delivered by trained clinicians who follow strict UK vaccination protocols.
We are also a NaTHNaC registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, meaning we meet nationally recognised standards for vaccine storage, cold-chain monitoring and administration, the same rigorous processes applied to all vaccines we provide.
If you’re looking for a trusted, local HPV vaccination provider in Medway, Chatham Pharmacy offers professional care you can rely on.
HPV Vaccine for Different Life Stages in Medway
HPV vaccination is not just for teenagers, people book at many different points in life depending on relationships, health changes or family planning. At Chatham Pharmacy, we support patients across Medway with flexible, private HPV vaccination tailored to their stage of life.
Students and Young Professionals (18–25)
Many young adults missed their school HPV vaccinations for reasons such as:
Changing schools during vaccination years
Being unwell on vaccination days
Earlier vaccine hesitancy
Growing up abroad with different schedules
Students and early-career professionals often choose private vaccination so they can get protected quickly, without long waits through GP services. With online booking and short-notice appointments at Chatham Pharmacy, you can fit vaccination around studies, work or travel plans.
Women Approaching 30
Cervical cancer diagnoses most commonly occur in people in their early thirties, making prevention especially important for anyone nearing this age who has not yet been vaccinated.
Many women book HPV vaccination when:
Starting new relationships
Planning pregnancy and wanting protection beforehand
Receiving HPV-positive or abnormal smear results
Learning about HPV risks for the first time
Private vaccination offers reassurance and proactive protection for the future.
Parents and Families
Families across Medway often arrange HPV vaccination for:
Teenagers who missed school programmes
Younger children (from age 9) for early protection
Parents booking alongside their children
Families preparing for overseas relocation
We can help coordinate appointments for multiple family members, making it easier to protect everyone at once.
Men Seeking HPV Protection
HPV affects men as well as women and is linked to:
Genital warts (around 90% preventable with vaccination)
Throat and mouth cancers, which are rising in men
Penile and anal cancers
Passing HPV on to partners
Because men were only added to routine NHS school vaccination programmes in recent years, many adults remain unprotected today. With transparent pricing of £155 per dose at Chatham Pharmacy, completing a vaccination course is a valuable investment in both your own long-term health and your partner’s protection.
If you are unsure whether HPV vaccination is right for your stage of life, our team will be happy to discuss your options and recommend the most suitable schedule for you.
HPV Vaccine and Cancer Prevention
The connection between HPV and cancer is extremely strong — HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. But the protection offered by vaccination goes far beyond this single disease.
Gardasil 9 targets the HPV types linked to the majority of HPV-related cancers seen in the UK today, making it one of the most powerful tools available for long-term cancer prevention. At Chatham Pharmacy, we help people across Medway take proactive steps to reduce these risks.
Cancers Reduced by HPV Vaccination
Cervical Cancer
Around 3,300 new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year
Up to 90% are linked to HPV types covered by Gardasil 9
Most commonly diagnosed in people aged 30–34
No cases have been identified to date in those vaccinated at school age
The NHS is working towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2040
Anal Cancer
Incidence is increasing in both men and women
Approximately 90% of cases are HPV-related
Often detected at a later stage
Largely preventable through vaccination
Head and Neck Cancers
Rates are rising faster than many other cancer types
The majority of HPV-linked cases occur in men
Strongly associated with HPV type 16
Vaccination significantly reduces future risk
Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers
Less common, but often require complex treatment
Around 70% are linked to HPV
Prevention through vaccination is highly effective
Penile Cancer
About half of cases are associated with HPV
Increasing in younger men
HPV-related cases are largely preventable with vaccination
HPV vaccination offers wide-ranging protection across genders and age groups, reducing the risk of multiple cancers years before they would otherwise develop.
If you would like to discuss protecting yourself or your family in Medway, the team at Chatham Pharmacy is ready to help you plan your HPV vaccination course with confidence.
Booking Your HPV Vaccine Today in Medway
Ready to get protected? Booking your HPV vaccination at Chatham Pharmacy is quick and simple using our online booking system, designed for people across Medway who want fast, convenient access to care.
Immediate Next Steps
You can book or contact us in the way that suits you best:
Phone: 01634 404142
Website: www.chathampharmacy.co.uk
Email: pharmacy.fe813@nhs.net
What We’ll Need to Know
When booking, please be ready to provide:
Your age and any previous HPV vaccination history
Any medical conditions or regular medications
Preferred appointment times
Whether you would like to book both doses now
This helps us prepare for your visit and confirm the correct schedule.
Current Availability at Chatham Pharmacy
We aim to make vaccination as accessible as possible:
Same-day or next-day appointments are often available
Slots can fill quickly — early booking is recommended
Group bookings may be arranged for families or partners
Follow-up doses can be scheduled easily
Final Thought
Private HPV vaccination may feel like a big decision, but it is a one-off investment in long-term cancer prevention. HPV is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer and many other cancers affecting both men and women.
The NHS is working towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 — and you can take action right now to protect yourself.
Whether you live in Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Rainham or Strood, Chatham Pharmacy offers trusted clinical care, transparent pricing and convenient access to HPV vaccination.
Don’t become part of the statistics — book your HPV vaccine today and take control of your future health.
