HPV Vaccination at Murrays Chemist – Protecting Against Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts

Jaydev Vasani – Clinical Pharmacit

When most people think about the HPV vaccine, they think about cervical cancer prevention. That’s absolutely correct — HPV vaccination has dramatically reduced cases of cervical cancer worldwide. But what’s less talked about is its powerful effect on preventing genital warts in both men and women.

At Murrays Chemist in Harrow, we offer the Gardasil 9 vaccine – the most comprehensive HPV vaccine available – protecting you not only from high-risk cancer-causing strains of HPV, but also the types that cause the vast majority of genital warts.

HPV and Genital Warts – What’s the Link?

Genital warts are caused by specific strains of HPV, mainly types 6 and 11. They are not life-threatening, but they are:

• Highly contagious

• Physically uncomfortable

• Psychologically distressing for many patients

• Often recurrent, even after treatment

Condom use lowers the risk but does not completely prevent HPV transmission. Vaccination is by far the most effective preventive measure.

The Evidence – How Well Does Gardasil Prevent Genital Warts?

The impact of HPV vaccination programmes worldwide has been clear:

• In Australia, where HPV vaccination was introduced early, rates of genital warts in young women dropped by over 90% within a decade. Similar declines were seen in heterosexual men due to herd protection.

• In the UK, research has shown a significant reduction in genital wart diagnoses since Gardasil replaced Cervarix in the NHS programme (Cervarix only covered cancer-causing strains, not wart strains).

• Clinical trials of Gardasil 9 demonstrated nearly 100% protection against HPV types 6 and 11, which account for around 90% of all genital wart cases.

In short, getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you against cancer risk later in life — it can also protect you in the here and now from a condition that is common, difficult to treat, and often embarrassing.

Gardasil 9 – Broad Protection Beyond Warts

Gardasil 9 covers nine HPV types in total:

• High-risk cancer-causing types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58

• Low-risk wart-causing types: 6 and 11

This means you’re protected against both serious cancers and genital warts with a single course of vaccination.

Who Can Benefit?

• Young adults: To reduce future cervical cancer risk and avoid genital warts

• Men and women up to age 45: Particularly those starting new relationships or at higher risk of exposure

• Patients who missed school vaccinations: The vaccine remains highly effective later in life

Dosing Schedule

• Age 9–14 years: 2 doses, at least 6 months apart

• Age 15 years and over: 3 doses over 6 months

FAQs

Does the HPV vaccine really prevent genital warts?
Yes. Gardasil 9 protects against HPV 6 and 11, which cause about 9 in 10 cases of genital warts. Real-world data shows vaccination programmes have led to a dramatic fall in wart diagnoses.

If I already have genital warts, can the vaccine treat them?
No, the vaccine is preventive, not a treatment. However, it may help reduce the risk of recurrence if you haven’t already been exposed to all wart-causing HPV types.

Do men benefit from the HPV vaccine?
Absolutely. Men are equally at risk of genital warts and certain HPV-related cancers. Vaccination protects both men and their partners.

How long does protection last?
Studies suggest strong, long-lasting immunity for decades. No booster is currently recommended.

Why Book with Murrays Chemist?

• Expert clinical pharmacist consultation

• Private, discreet service in Harrow

• Flexible appointments to suit your schedule

• Protect yourself against both cancers and genital warts with one course