School Age Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination 2025/26

The vaccine is for everyone, boys and girls, and is normally offered in schools in Year 8.

Most people will only need one dose to be protected, the vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.

The vaccination is free and recommended for young people to protect them against the human papilloma virus which increases the risk of developing some cancers later in life, such as cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anus and genital areas.

Read more about the HPV vaccination.

If you have any questions read our FAQs below.

Please complete the form to let us know if you do, or do not, want your child to receive the vaccine.

Your consent will remain valid for the 2025/26 academic year.


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Who we are

The Sirona care & health aim is to be there when you or your family or carer need us most and help you stay as independent as possible.

We look after adults and children at home and at school. Our thousands of staff work across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

We are very proud that our most recent Care Quality Commission rating for the care our staff provide is Outstanding.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, we are funded by the NHS and local authorities. NHS care is free at the point of delivery. We are committed to serving our communities as a Community Interest Company, our activities provide benefit to all members of the population of the areas we cover. For further information please visit Sirona care & health

Paperless for the planet

We believe in protecting the environment and this a clear way to reduce the use of paper.

Handling less paper will also reduce risk of infection and makes the process of consent easier for you, your child, schools and our team.

Consent made simple

You will receive a confirmation email when you complete your consent and you will also get a notification of your child’s vaccination status once they have been vaccinated by our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Select question category:
  • Can I take my child to the GP for their vaccination?

    All school-aged vaccines are carried out by the Immunisation team. GPs may vaccinate in certain circumstances please contact the Immunisation Team to discuss your options. The Immunisation Team do offer community catch-up clinic sessions.

  • What if I change my mind about my child having their vaccination after I have submitted consent?

    It is important that you contact the Immunisation Team immediately and speak to a member of staff. We also advise that you contact the school if the vaccination session is planned within the next 72 hours.

  • What if my child does not attend school?

    The team will be happy to see your child in one of our community clinics. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements.

  • What if my child has a medical condition?

    There are very few children that cannot receive their vaccinations.

    However, if your child has a medical condition, it is possible that we will ask you or your child’s GP or consultant for further information to ensure it is safe for them to receive the vaccination at the current time.

  • What if my child is unwell following their vaccination?

    All vaccines can cause side effects but studies suggest they are generally mild and soon settle. Some people may experience:

    • Feeling or being sick
    • Headaches
    • Tiredness.

    If you are worried about your child you can telephone 111 for non-urgent medical advice or contact your GP practice. In an emergency please telephone 999. Further advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk.

    Call 111 for non-urgent medical advice and 999 in an emergency.

    Our team report any post vaccination side effects that we are aware of, so please contact the Immunisation Team if you feel that we need to report any reactions experienced by your child.

  • What if my child is unwell on the day of the vaccination?

    Vaccinations can safely be given as long as the child does not have a high tempature. If your child is not in school then you will receive information to book a community catch-up clinic appointment.

    However, if your child is recovering from a recent illness or infection, the nurse may decide to defer the vaccination until they are fully recovered. This is to ensure that any subsequent changes in their health are not wrongly attributed to the vaccination.

  • Where can I find out more information about vaccinations?

    You can find further information on the NHS choices website.

    Alternatively, you can speak to your GP, practice nurse or a member of the immunisation team.

  • Why do you need previous vaccination dates?

    We only ask for this information if it is needed to ensure the correct intervals between vaccinations.

  • How do we use your information?

    Please see the link below regarding Sirona care & health’s Privacy Policy:

    Policies - Sirona care & health

    Sirona care & health and RIVIAM will use the information given for School Aged Immunisations to check your child’s identity against their central NHS record. Sirona care & health use the information provided on the consent form to ensure that consent for immunisation is given.

    Vaccination outcomes are shared with NHS National Immunisation and Vaccination System (NIVS), this information is then shared with Child Health Information Systems and your child’s GP. Anonymised ethnicity and gender information will be shared with NHS England for equality monitoring purposes. Consent for vaccination can be withdrawn at any time by contacting the team. The email address you provide will be used to send you confirmation emails and may be used for information about the school session.

  • I missed my vaccination, can I still have it?

    Yes. If you missed your vaccinations at school, you can have them up to your 25th birthday. Contact your school nurse immunisation team or GP practice as soon as possible.

  • What difference has the HPV vaccine made so far?

    Over 80 million people have received the vaccine worldwide. In time it is expected that the vaccine will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK. A recent Scottish study has already shown a 71% reduction in pre-cancerous cervical disease in young women.

    Since the start of the vaccination programme in the UK there has been a big decline in the number of young people with genital warts.

  • Do I get a copy of my consent form?

    Once you have submitted the consent you will receive an email to let you know we have received it. Please check your spam/junk folder if you don't receive it.

  • How do I raise a technical support request?

    Please email us on support@riviam.zendesk.com. Please don't put any personal details in as this email is not for clinical issues.

  • What if I require the information in a different format?

    Please contact the immunisation team who will be able to assist.

Get in touch for more answers

If you still have questions about our service or immunisations, please get in touch with us using the information below.

Email us using sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net or call us on 0300 124 5515

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