Older children and young adult vaccinations

HPV is a very common, sexually transmitted virus which can cause different types of cancers and genital warts. Most people usually have no symptoms and will not know they're infected. 

Having the HPV vaccine is important to prevent a range of cancers in later life, including:

• cervical cancer
• anal cancer
• genital cancers
• cancers of the head and neck 

Getting the vaccine now protects you against future risks.

From September 2023, the HPV vaccine will be offered as one dose to both boys and girls:

• aged 12 to 13 years old (school year 8)

In the past, the HPV vaccine has been offered as two doses. Expert evidence now shows one dose provides young people with the same level of protection as the previous two doses. From September 2023, if you have received one dose of HPV vaccine, you are fully vaccinated against HPV and will not need any additional doses.

If you or your child missed their HPV vaccination at school, you can still have the vaccine up to your 25th birthday. Please speak to your school’s immunisation team or healthcare professional to arrange this. 

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are eligible for the HPV vaccine up to the age of 45 years old. Ask your GP or a healthcare professional at a sexual health clinic for more information.  

More information about the HPV vaccine is available on the Public Health Wales website. 
 

The Td/IPV vaccine, also known as the 3 in 1 teenage booster, helps to boost protection against three separate diseases:

• tetanus
• diphtheria
• polio 

Teenagers aged 13 to 14 are offered the vaccine as part of their routine immunisations.

Speak to your healthcare professional if you or your child has missed any of the doses given as part of the 6 in 1 vaccine or 4 in 1 vaccine.

You can find more information about the 3 in 1 teenage booster and the diseases it protects against on the Public Health Wales website.

In recent years, cases of meningitis and septicaemia due to Men W have been increasing in Wales. Most people with meningococcal disease make a full recovery, but Men W infections are particularly severe. They can be fatal and result in long term health problems. 

The MenACWY vaccine provides good protection against serious infections caused by Meningococcal (Men) A, C, W and Y diseases.

The MenACWY vaccination is offered to:

• teenagers aged 13 to 14 years old, as part of their routine vaccinations
• individuals under 25 who are planning to attend university, if they have not already received the vaccine 

If you or your child have not yet received the vaccine, speak to your healthcare professional to arrange it now.

Further information is available through Public Health Wales.

Flu is a virus that can lead to serious illnesses and death. There are flu outbreaks most winters and the virus is constantly changing. Each year, flu vaccines are changed to match the flu viruses circulating that year, so that people get the best protection.

Each year, the flu vaccination is offered to children aged 2 to 16. This includes: 

• all children in secondary school years 7 to 11

Flu vaccinations are given between September and March. If you or your child missed the vaccine, contact the school nurse or GP surgery.

Children not in school or home educated can have their flu vaccine from their GP surgery when they are due.
More information about the flu vaccine is available on the Public Health Wales website.