HPV Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect After Your Gardasil 9 Jab

You’re ready to get the HPV vaccine but that nagging worry won’t go away. What if you feel terrible afterwards? What if you’re the one person who reacts badly? What if you can’t work the next day? These concerns stop many people from getting protected against cancer, and we understand completely.

At Ealing Travel Clinic in West London, we provide clear, evidence-based information about what to expect. Most people feel absolutely fine, and the worst that typically happens is a sore arm that feels like you’ve been to the gym.

Here’s what the real data shows about HPV vaccine side effects – not the scary stories online, but facts from clinical studies and our own patients. If you’re ready to protect yourself with the HPV vaccine in London, our complete guide covers everything you need to know about the vaccination process.

Common HPV Vaccine Side Effects (The Ones You’ll Probably Get)

Here’s what happens to most people after their Gardasil 9 injection. These side effects affect 10-30% of people, and they’re all mild.

Sore Arm (80% of people)

The most common side effect by far. Your arm will feel tender at the injection site, like someone’s given you a dead arm. It usually kicks in within a few hours and peaks around 24 hours after the jab.

What it feels like: Dull ache when you move your arm, tender to touch How long it lasts: 1-3 days maximum What helps: Paracetamol, moving your arm gently, ice pack for 10 minutes

This is similar to the soreness after a flu jab or tetanus booster – uncomfortable but completely manageable.

Redness or Swelling (25% of people)

Some people get a red patch or slight swelling around the injection site. It might look alarming but it’s just your immune system doing its job.

What it looks like: Red circle 2-5cm wide, slight puffiness How long it lasts: 2-3 days What helps: Cool compress, loose clothing

Mild Headache (15% of people)

A slight headache might develop within the first 24 hours. Nothing that’ll stop you working or living your life.

Intensity: Mild, like a tension headache Duration: Usually gone within a day Management: Standard dose of paracetamol

Low-Grade Fever (10% of people)

Some people run a slight temperature – we’re talking 37.5-38°C, not proper illness levels.

When it starts: Usually within 24 hours Duration: Rarely lasts more than a day What to do: Drink water, rest if needed, paracetamol if uncomfortable.

Less Common Side Effects (Might Happen, Probably Won’t)

These affect 1-10% of people getting the HPV vaccine. Still mild, but less likely to happen to you.

Fatigue

Feeling more tired than usual for a day or two. Not exhaustion, just that “could do with an early night” feeling.

Who gets it: More common in younger people (under 25) Management: Listen to your body, get extra sleep Impact: Won’t stop normal activities

Muscle Aches

General achiness, like you’re coming down with something (but you’re not).

Where: Usually arms and legs Severity: Mild discomfort Duration: 24-48 hours maximum

Nausea

Slight queasiness, rarely actual vomiting.

Frequency: Less than 5% of people Timing: Usually within first 24 hours Management: Light meals, ginger tea, fresh air

Dizziness

Brief light-headedness, usually immediately after injection.

Why it happens: Often anxiety-related rather than vaccine-related Prevention: We have you sit for 15 minutes post-vaccination Frequency: More common in teenagers

This is why Ealing Travel Clinic monitors all patients for 15 minutes after vaccination – most people who feel dizzy recover completely within this time.

Rare but Serious Side Effects (Probably Won’t Happen to You)

These are the side effects people worry about most, but they’re incredibly rare. We’re talking less than 1 in 10,000 doses.

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Frequency: 2.6 cases per million doses given Timing: Within minutes of injection (that’s why we monitor you) Management: Every UK clinic has adrenaline and trained staff Outcome: Fully treatable when caught immediately

To put this in perspective, you’re more likely to have a severe allergic reaction to:

• Penicillin (1 in 5,000)
• General anaesthetic (1 in 10,000)
• Bee stings (1 in 50 for those allergic)

Fainting

Who: Mainly teenagers and young adults Why: Anxiety and needle phobia, not the vaccine itself Prevention: We can vaccinate you lying down Frequency: About 1 in 1,000, mostly in under-20s

Extensive Limb Swelling

What: Entire arm becomes swollen Frequency: Less than 1 in 10,000 Management: Anti-inflammatories, resolves within a week Severity: Uncomfortable but not dangerous

HPV Vaccine Side Effects Timeline: Day by Day

Understanding when side effects might appear helps you plan. Based on clinical data and manufacturer information, here’s the typical timeline:

Day 0 (Vaccination Day)

• First 15 minutes: Monitored in clinic
• First 2 hours: Arm starts feeling tender
• By evening: Possible mild headache or tiredness

Day 1 (Next Day)

• Arm soreness: Peaks around now
• Possible: Mild fever, headache
• Energy: Might feel slightly tired
• Work/school: Most people carry on normally

Day 2

• Improvement: Symptoms starting to ease
• Arm: Still tender but improving
• General: Feeling more normal

Day 3

• Resolution: Most side effects gone
• Maybe: Slight bruising at injection site
• Activity: Back to full normal

Days 4-7

• Complete recovery: Most people fully recovered by this point

Injection site: Might have small bruise or slight firmness

According to the manufacturer’s data, virtually all side effects resolve completely within one week.

Comparing Side Effects: First vs Second vs Third Dose

Many people worry the second dose will be worse. Here’s what actually happens:

First Dose

• Usually the mildest reaction
• Body’s first exposure to vaccine
• Side effects tend to be minimal

Second Dose

• Slightly more likely to have side effects
• Still mild for most people
• Immune system recognises and responds more strongly
• Nothing that should stop you booking

Third Dose (if needed for immunocompromised)

• Similar to second dose
• No cumulative worsening
• Same management strategies work

Clinical studies show no significant difference in side effect rates between doses, with reactions remaining mild and self-limiting.

Special Considerations for Different Groups

Teenagers and Young Adults

• More likely to feel dizzy or faint (anxiety-related)
• Recover quickly from any side effects
• Can return to school/uni next day

Adults Over 25

• Tend to have fewer side effects
• Less anxiety-related symptoms
• May have slightly longer arm soreness

People with Needle Phobia

• Main “side effect” is anxiety
• We can vaccinate lying down
• Breathing exercises help
• Quick injection minimises discomfort

Those with Chronic Conditions

• Generally no different side effects
• Discuss with pharmacist if concerned
• May need adjusted timing with other medications

Managing HPV Vaccine Side Effects

Here’s your practical toolkit for dealing with any side effects:

For Arm Soreness:

1. Move it: Gentle arm exercises prevent stiffness
2. Cool it: Ice pack for 10 minutes, 3 times daily
3. Medicate: Paracetamol (not ibuprofen before vaccination)
4. Dress smart: Loose sleeves for comfort

For Fever or Headache:

1. Paracetamol: Standard adult dose
2. Hydrate: Extra water helps
3. Rest: Early night if needed
4. Cool down: Light clothing, cool room

For Anxiety:

1. Plan ahead: Book morning appointment if you worry
2. Bring someone: Friend or partner for support
3. Distraction: Music or podcast during wait

Reward yourself: Plan something nice after

Myths vs Reality About HPV Vaccine Side Effects

Time to address the misconceptions that stop people getting protected:

Myth: “HPV vaccine causes chronic fatigue syndrome”

Reality: Extensive studies of millions of doses found no link. The rate of chronic fatigue is identical in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.

Myth: “It affects fertility”

Reality: Zero evidence after 280 million doses worldwide. Actually protects fertility by preventing HPV-related cancers and treatments that could affect reproduction.

Myth: “Side effects are worse if you’re older”

Reality: Adults often have fewer side effects than teenagers. Age doesn’t increase risk.

Myth: “You’ll definitely feel ill after”

Reality: 70% of people have no side effects beyond mild arm soreness. Most work the next day without issue.

Myth: “Natural immunity is safer”

Reality: Getting HPV to develop immunity means risking cancer. That’s like not wearing a seatbelt to avoid seatbelt bruising.

What People Report About Their Experience

According to post-marketing surveillance data and clinical studies:

• Most people return to normal activities the next day
• Arm soreness is consistently the most reported effect
• Those who’ve had other vaccines often compare it favourably to flu or COVID jabs
• Younger recipients (under 25) report slightly more dizziness
• Adults over 30 typically report fewer systemic effects

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continues to monitor all reported side effects through the Yellow Card scheme, confirming the excellent safety profile.

The Bottom Line on HPV Vaccine Side Effects

After reviewing data from millions of doses administered globally and UK-specific safety monitoring through the MHRA, here’s what you need to know:

• Most people only get mild arm soreness (based on clinical trial data)
• Serious side effects occur in less than 0.01% of cases (per manufacturer data)
• Side effects typically resolve within 2-3 days
• Normal activities can continue for most people
• The protection against cancer far outweighs temporary discomfort

The overwhelming evidence shows that HPV vaccine side effects are mild, brief, and manageable for the vast majority of recipients.

Ready to Get Protected?

Now that you know the truth about HPV vaccine side effects – they’re mild, brief, and manageable – you can make an informed decision about protecting yourself.

The minor side effects you might experience for a day or two are nothing compared to the peace of mind knowing you’re protected against HPV-related cancers. Most of our patients say the worry beforehand was worse than any actual side effects.

Ready to book your HPV vaccine with confidence? Read our complete HPV vaccine London guide for booking information, pricing, and everything else you need to know.

At Ealing Travel Clinic, we’ve administered thousands of HPV vaccines safely. Our experienced team monitors you properly, answers all your questions, and ensures you’re comfortable throughout.

Book your HPV vaccine appointment today:

• Phone: 0208 567 0982
• Location: 30 Northfield Avenue, London, W13 9RL
• Website: ealingtravelclinic.co.uk

Don’t let worry about side effects stop you from getting protected. The vast majority of our patients report minimal side effects and maximum peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions