We have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the HPV vaccine among Gen Z and Millennials, and also men who have sex with men (MSM).
The vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause certain cancers including cervical and penile cancer.
The campaign tagline "Catch feelings, not HPV" cleverly reframes the social trend "Catch flights, not feelings"while introducing in the call to action — "Get Vaccinated." The vintage-styled artwork is bold, fun and sharable and celebrates relationships, intimacy and emotional wellbeing.
The ad campaign first launched at London’s Mighty Hoopla 2025 Festival (31 May – 1 June) and will now run across Facebook and Instagram from 8th September to 26th September 2025. To conicide with the relaunch, we have partnered with Goldsmiths, University of London and the University of Greenwich to make it simple and convenient for their students to get protected against HPV.
Students visiting the following campus sites during Freshers Week will be invited to come onboard our “Catch feelings, not HPV - Get Vaccinated” vinyl-wrapped bus to have their free HPV vaccine.
Key Dates:
University of Greenwich
- Avery Hill Campus - Mary Seacole Building 255 Avery Hill Rd, London SE9 2ET: Monday 15th September 2025 from 10.30am to 4pm.
- Greenwich Campus - Dreadnought Building SE10 9NN: Thursday 18th and Friday 19th September 2025 from 10.30am to 4pm.
Goldsmiths Unversity
- Goldsmiths University - Richard Hoggart Building Forecourt (SE14 6NW): Wednesday 24th September 2025 and Thursday 25th September 2025 from 10.30am to 4pm.
What is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spreadthrough skin contact (usually when having sex).
Most types of HPV are harmless. But high-risk types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer ,mouth cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval cancer and vaginal cancer. HPV can also cause genital warts.
Why are we supporting younger people and Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to be vaccinated?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck (mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital area. Although the vaccine is offered within schools, many people miss the opportunity to get these vaccinations, and some members of our community have a higher risk of infection then others, we want to support our local community who can benefit from this treatment to get access.
Who is suitable for the vaccine and how can I get it?
|
Population Group |
Younger Adults |
Men who have sex with men |
|
Who’s suitable? |
Young people who missed out on their HPV vaccine at school, including:
|
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, from the age of 18 years up to and including 45 years of age. |
|
Total Dose |
One dose, unless immunosuppressed in some way. |
Doses are dependant on age and if you’re immunosuppressed:
|
|
Where can I be vaccinated? |
At your local GP practice on request. |
At sexual health and HIV clinics: |
Who else might benefit?
The HPV vaccine is also sometimes recommended for other people at higher risk from HPV, such as:
- Some transgender individuals
- People living with a HIV infection
For these individuals, contact your GP, local sexual health clinic (find them here) or local HIV clinic (Find them here), for clinical assessment and to understand if your local service can support you.
