How many HPV vaccine doses do I need in Ireland?

NIAC recommends one dose if you are aged 9 to 24, and two doses if you are 25 or older. People who are immunocompromised need three doses at any age. Your prescription is written for the schedule that matches your age, so your pharmacy gives the right number.

Can I get the HPV vaccine free instead of paying?

Often yes. It is free in the second-level school programme, in the Laura Brennan catch-up programme for those who missed it, and through the public STI, PrEP and HIV clinic network — including for gbMSM up to and including age 45. It is not free in primary care, student health or private clinics.

I am 25 to 45 — does the June 2026 NIAC update apply to me?

It applies if you attend a women's health, sexual health or HIV service and your risk of HPV is increased. NIAC names examples such as some transgender individuals, some people living with HIV, and people in the sex industry. If that describes you, ask that service first — vaccination there is the funded route.

Is it still worth having if I am already sexually active?

It can be. The vaccine works best before exposure, and it does not treat an HPV infection, genital warts or an abnormal smear you already have. It does still protect against the vaccine types you have not encountered, which is why NIAC recommends it up to 45 in higher-risk groups.

Does the vaccine mean I can skip cervical screening?

No. Gardasil 9 covers nine HPV types but not every high-risk type. CervicalCheck offers free HPV screening to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65, and you should keep attending after vaccination.

Can I have it while pregnant or breastfeeding?

HPV vaccination is deferred in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be, wait until after the birth. If you are breastfeeding, the GP will discuss timing with you — tell us in the questionnaire so it is reviewed rather than assumed.

Clear vaccine vial and sterile syringe on white marble

Sexual health

HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) prescription online in Ireland

Private Gardasil 9 prescription written to the NIAC schedule — one dose aged 9–24, two doses from 25. Reviewed by an Irish-registered GP for €25 — no appointment needed.

All smart prescriptions

Last reviewed 20 August 2026NIAC HPV recommendations — 29 June 2026

If you missed the school programme, or you are outside the free HSE routes, you can ask an Irish-registered GP to review you for a private HPV (Gardasil 9) prescription. We follow the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) schedule: a single dose for ages 9–24, two doses from 25 years of age, and three doses where someone is immunocompromised. Check the free HSE options first — if you qualify, you should not pay for this.

What it costs

€25 for the GP review and prescription. The vaccine itself and the administration fee are charged separately by your pharmacy or clinic. Refunded in full if the GP decides it is not appropriate to prescribe.

How quickly

Reviewed the same working day for requests submitted before 5pm, Monday to Friday. Weekend requests are reviewed the next working day.

Start smart prescription €25 Book GP Consult €39

Who this is suitable for

You are living in Ireland and not eligible for a free HSE-funded dose (see the guidance below)
You missed the school programme, or you are starting or completing a course privately
You know how many previous doses you had, and roughly when
You have somewhere to have it given — a vaccinating pharmacy or clinic
You are aged 9–24 (single dose) or 25 and over (two-dose course)

You are pregnant — HPV vaccination is deferred until after pregnancy
You had a severe allergic reaction to a previous HPV dose or to a vaccine component, including yeast
You are unwell with a fever today — vaccination is deferred until you recover
You want the vaccine to treat an existing HPV infection, genital warts or an abnormal smear — it does not treat these
You are immunocompromised and need the three-dose schedule assessed properly — book a consultation instead

What your €25 covers

GP review of your age, previous doses and any contraindications
A private prescription for Gardasil 9 (HPV9) with the correct NIAC dose schedule for your age
Clear dose timing written on the prescription so your pharmacy knows when to recall you
A signpost to the free HSE route if your answers suggest you qualify for one
A written note in your patient record you can download at any time

What we'll ask you

13 short questions, most of them yes or no. Your answers go straight to the reviewing GP.

Your age
How many HPV vaccine doses have you already had?
Were you offered the vaccine through the school programme?
Do you attend a public STI, PrEP, HIV, sexual health or women's health service, where HPV vaccine may be free to you?
Where will the vaccine be given?
Any allergy to yeast, or a severe reaction to a previous vaccine dose?
Are you currently unwell with a fever?
Do you have a condition or take medicine that weakens your immune system?
Are you pregnant or could you be?
Are you breastfeeding?
Have you fainted with an injection before?
List any drug allergies (or type 'none')
Medicines you currently take (or type 'none')

When we'll say no

These answers stop the request and route you to a consultation instead.

A previous severe vaccine reaction or yeast allergy needs review before further doses.
Vaccination should be deferred until you are well.
NIAC recommends a three-dose HPV schedule for immunocompromised people at any age — this needs a consultation to plan properly.
HPV vaccination is deferred until after pregnancy.

What the national guidance says (NIAC, 29 June 2026)

Dose schedule: NIAC recommends a single dose of HPV vaccine for those aged 9–24 years, two doses for those aged 25 years and older, and three doses for immunocompromised people regardless of age. These numbers differ from the product SmPC.
Gardasil 9 (HPV9) protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Over 90% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV.
On 29 June 2026 NIAC extended its recommendation: HPV9 vaccination is now recommended for individuals aged 25–45 years attending women's health, sexual health or HIV services whose populations are at increased risk of HPV. Risk assessment should consider previous HPV exposure, future risk of exposure, and access to cervical screening.
Examples NIAC gives of increased-risk populations include some transgender individuals, some people living with HIV, and people in the sex industry. This sits alongside the existing recommendation for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) aged up to and including 45 years.
The 2026 protocol document sets out how NIAC reviewed the evidence for cis women in the sex industry up to 45 years of age, following a May 2025 request from the HSE Women's Health Service and Anti-Human Trafficking Team.
Free of charge routes: HPV vaccine is available free through the public STI, PrEP and HIV clinic network, and to eligible people through the school and Laura Brennan catch-up programmes. It is not free within primary care, student health, or private STI and PrEP services — which is why a private prescription exists at all.
The vaccine works best before exposure to HPV. If you are already sexually active, it has not been shown to treat existing HPV infection or cervical lesions — it still prevents the types you have not yet met.
HPV vaccination does not replace cervical screening. CervicalCheck offers free HPV-based screening to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65.

Common questions

How many HPV vaccine doses do I need in Ireland?: NIAC recommends one dose if you are aged 9 to 24, and two doses if you are 25 or older. People who are immunocompromised need three doses at any age. Your prescription is written for the schedule that matches your age, so your pharmacy gives the right number.
Can I get the HPV vaccine free instead of paying?: Often yes. It is free in the second-level school programme, in the Laura Brennan catch-up programme for those who missed it, and through the public STI, PrEP and HIV clinic network — including for gbMSM up to and including age 45. It is not free in primary care, student health or private clinics.
I am 25 to 45 — does the June 2026 NIAC update apply to me?: It applies if you attend a women's health, sexual health or HIV service and your risk of HPV is increased. NIAC names examples such as some transgender individuals, some people living with HIV, and people in the sex industry. If that describes you, ask that service first — vaccination there is the funded route.
Is it still worth having if I am already sexually active?: It can be. The vaccine works best before exposure, and it does not treat an HPV infection, genital warts or an abnormal smear you already have. It does still protect against the vaccine types you have not encountered, which is why NIAC recommends it up to 45 in higher-risk groups.
Does the vaccine mean I can skip cervical screening?: No. Gardasil 9 covers nine HPV types but not every high-risk type. CervicalCheck offers free HPV screening to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65, and you should keep attending after vaccination.
Can I have it while pregnant or breastfeeding?: HPV vaccination is deferred in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be, wait until after the birth. If you are breastfeeding, the GP will discuss timing with you — tell us in the questionnaire so it is reviewed rather than assumed.

Sources

Updated HPV vaccination recommendations for individuals aged 25–45 years attending women's health services, sexual health services or HIV servicesNational Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), hosted by HIQA — 29 June 2026
Protocol: Evidence summary to inform a recommendation for HPV vaccination of cis women in the sex industry up to 45 years of ageNational Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), hosted by HIQA — 29 June 2026
Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland, Chapter 10: Human PapillomavirusNational Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) — Last updated June 2023

Start your hpv vaccine (gardasil 9) prescription request

€25, reviewed by an Irish-registered GP. If it isn't clinically appropriate, the GP declines and you are refunded in full.

Start smart prescription Book GP Consult €39