HPV Protection Made Easy – Vaccines & Support You Can Trust

HPV: What You Need to Know

At Herbert & Shrive Pharmacy, we’re here to help you understand and protect yourself against HPV – the human papillomavirus. This common virus can affect anyone and is usually passed on through close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity.

Many people don’t even realise they have HPV, as it often has no symptoms. But in some cases, it can lead to health problems like genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical, mouth, throat, and anal cancer.

We proudly support the NHS HPV vaccination programme, helping protect people across Teddington, Kingston Upon Thames, Hampton Wick, Richmond, and Twickenham.

What Is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV infections from the most harmful types of HPV. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

The NHS offers the human papillomavirus vaccine to adults and children in school (usually aged 12 to 13), but it’s also available to adults in certain cases. If you missed your school vaccine, you may still be eligible – we’re happy to guide you.

At Herbert & Shrive Pharmacy, we provide easy access to the HPV vaccine for those eligible for NHS services and private vaccination if needed.

Common HPV Virus Symptoms and HPV Wart Types

HPV usually doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms, so most people don’t know they have it. Some types of HPV can cause:

Genital warts – small growths or lumps around the genital area.
Warts on the hands, feet, or face (less common strains).

HPV can also stay in the body for years without causing symptoms, which is why HPV prevention through vaccination is so important.

HPV Prevention & Treatment

While there’s no cure for the HPV virus itself, many of the problems it causes can be treated. For example:

Genital warts can be treated with creams or minor procedures.
Abnormal cervical cells found in smear tests can be monitored or treated.
Cancers linked to HPV are more easily treated if caught early.

The best way to prevent HPV is by getting vaccinated. We also encourage regular cervical screening (smear tests) for women aged 25 to 64.

How to Get Rid of Acne

Managing acne starts with the right skincare and treatment plan. At Herbert & Shrive, we offer:

Tailored advice from trained pharmacists.
Access to advice and treatment options – in some cases, without needing a GP appointment.
Recommendations for acne scar treatment.
Support with hormonal acne treatments if needed.

We follow NHS guidelines, so you know you’re in safe hands.