On International HPV Awareness Day – 4 March 2026 – Knowsley Council is raising awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and encouraging residents to make sure they are up to date with the HPV vaccination if eligible.
It’s available on the NHS for children aged 12 to 13 years and people at higher risk of HPV, and is available for both men and women. You can read more on the NHS website.
What is HPV?
HPV is most commonly spread through close skin-to-skin contact during sex. Although HPV does not cause any problems in most people, for a small number of people, HPV can cause certain kinds of cancers including cancer of the cervix, mouth and penis. It can be very difficult to know if you have HPV as it often has no visible symptoms.
There is no treatment for HPV infection, but the risk of HPV-related cancers can be reduced through vaccination and cervical screening.
The HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer and it reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers by about 90%.
If you missed getting vaccinated when you were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available for free on the NHS for all girls and women aged 24 and under up until their 25th birthday, and for boys and men born after 1 September 2006 up until their 25th birthday.
If you or your child were eligible for the HPV vaccine but did not receive it, contact the Knowsley School Immunisation Team on 0151 351 8805 or your GP practice.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV and they are eligible for the vaccine up until their 46th birthday – further information is available from sexual health or HIV clinics.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening, sometimes called a ‘smear’ test, is a way to help prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is free for women and anyone with a cervix from age 25 to 64. If you think that you are not up to date with cervical screening or have missed an appointment, contact your GP practice to book now.
Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, it is still important to attend screening when invited.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health at Knowsley Council said:
“The HPV vaccine and cervical screening are two important ways we can help protect ourselves from HPV-related cancers.
“I’d encourage you to ensure you are up to date with the HPV vaccine and your cervical screening and if you aren’t, speak to your GP to make an appointment.
“Taking these simple steps now can have lasting impacts on your health.”
For more information on the HPV vaccine visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/hpv-vaccine/
For more information on cervical screening visit: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/