New vaccine -GARDASIL- available in UK to prevent Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts. HPV (Human PapillomaVirus) is a very common virus that can affect the cells of the cervix. It is mainly passed on during sexual intercourse. Only certain types, such as 16, 18, 31 and 33 (known as 'high risk' types) seem to be associated with the development of abnormalities of the cervix.