HPV vaccine now available to all Year 8 pupils in Guernsey

HPV which stands for Human papillomavirus, is a very common group of viruses. Credit: Frank May/DPA/PA Images

The HPV vaccine is now available for all Year 8 students in Guernsey.

The vaccine, which helps protect against diseases including cervical cancer, mouth and throat cancer and some anal and genital cancers will now be available for boys as well as girls in the island.

HPV, which stands for Human papillomavirus, is a very common group of viruses.

It can also cause conditions like warts or verrucas.

People who contract HPV do not need to have sexual contact with lots of partners to get it.

The National HPV Immunisation Programme estimates the vaccine could prevent over 64,000 HPV-related cervical cancers a year in the UK.

Both Year 8 girls and boys are able to get the HPV vaccine. Credit: University of Warwick

There are over 100 different types of HPV. It's commonly caught through sexual contact with another person who already has it.

According to the NHS website, most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and their bodies will get rid of it naturally without treatment. However some people will be infected with a high-risk type and will need medication to treat it.