HPV Vaccine in Akoka & Yaba, Lagos

Protecting Against Cervical Cancer — A Guide from Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba)

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Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Nigeria — and one of the few cancers we can largely prevent with a simple vaccine. At Mascot Healthcare Clinic in Akoka (Yaba), we now offer the HPV vaccine for preteens, teenagers and adults across Mainland Lagos.

Whether you are a parent in Akoka thinking about your child, a student at the University of Lagos, or a woman who wants to protect her future health, this guide explains what the HPV vaccine is, who needs it, and where to get it near you.

What Is HPV — and Why Does It Matter?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Most people who are sexually active will encounter it at some point. In many cases the body clears it on its own — but certain high-risk types can linger and, over years, cause cancer.

HPV is responsible for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and some throat (oropharyngeal) cancers, as well as genital warts. Two types in particular — HPV 16 and 18 — cause about 70% of all cervical cancers.

How the HPV Vaccine Protects You

The HPV vaccine trains your immune system to fight off the most dangerous HPV types before they can cause harm. At Mascot Healthcare we offer Gardasil, which protects against the HPV types responsible for most HPV-related cancers as well as the types that cause about 90% of genital warts.

Prevents cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers
Protects against genital warts
Over 99% effective at preventing infection from the targeted HPV types
Safe, with mild and short-lived side effects for most people
Recommended for both girls and boys

Protection is strongest when the vaccine is given before any exposure to HPV — which is why it is recommended early, ideally in the preteen years.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

Preteens and teens (the ideal age)

The vaccine is recommended for all children at ages 11–12, and can start as early as age 9. Children who begin the series before their 15th birthday only need two doses. It is recommended for both girls and boys.

Teenagers and young adults (catch-up)

If your child or teenager missed the vaccine, catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 26. This is especially relevant for the many students and young adults around Akoka, Yaba and UNILAG.

Adults aged 27–45

Older adults may still benefit, particularly those with new sexual partners. The vaccine works even if you are already sexually active, because it can still protect you against HPV types you have not yet encountered. Talk to our healthcare provider about whether it is right for you.

The HPV Vaccination Schedule

The number of doses depends on the age at which you start:

Ages 9–14: two doses, with the second given 6–12 months after the first
Ages 15 and older (and those with weakened immunity): three doses over six months

Protection lasts for at least 10 years, with research suggesting it may last much longer. If you miss a dose, you do not need to restart — simply complete the remaining doses.

A Message for Parents in Akoka & Yaba

Some parents feel uneasy about vaccinating a child against a sexually transmitted infection. It helps to remember that the HPV vaccine is a cancer-prevention vaccine. We give it early for the same reason we do anything early in medicine — because it works best long before any possible exposure. Giving it at 9–12 is not about expecting anything; it is about making sure your child is fully protected by the time it ever matters.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

Yes. More than 270 million doses have been given worldwide. The vaccine does not contain live virus, so it cannot cause an HPV infection. The most common side effects are mild — soreness at the injection site, and sometimes a headache, low-grade fever or tiredness. Serious side effects are rare. The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy; if you are pregnant, simply wait until after delivery.

The Vaccine Does Not Replace Screening

This is important: even after vaccination, women should continue routine cervical cancer screening. The vaccine protects against most — but not all — cancer-causing HPV types, so regular checks remain your safety net. At Mascot Healthcare we offer Pap smear screening and broader women's health care, so prevention and screening sit comfortably under one roof in Akoka.

While you are protecting your health, it is also worth considering the Hepatitis B vaccine and our confidential STI clinic.

Get the HPV Vaccine in Akoka (Yaba), Lagos

Mascot Healthcare Clinic is located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos — convenient for families and students around Bariga, Onike, Iwaya, Fola Agoro and the University of Lagos. Our vaccines are administered by experienced healthcare professionals, and walk-ins are welcome (Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm). We will book your next dose before you leave.

Learn More & Book Your HPV Vaccine