Health Officials Urge Vaccination Against HPV to Prevent Cancer

Health officials in the UK are calling for increased vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) following alarming statistics indicating that over 418,000 children have left school unvaccinated in the past three years. The HPV vaccine is crucial for preventing specific cancers, including cervical cancer, and is offered to both boys and girls when they are in Year 8.

The need for action has never been more urgent. According to NHS England, the HPV vaccine protects against approximately 13 high-risk types of HPV, which are responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancer cases. In addition to cervical cancer, the vaccine also reduces the risk of genital warts and other cancers affecting the head and neck, such as those found in the mouth and throat.

In a new initiative, general practitioner (GP) practices across England will invite individuals aged 16 to 25 to receive the HPV vaccine if their records indicate they missed the opportunity while in school. This outreach aims to address the concerning number of young people who remain unprotected against HPV-related diseases.

Recent data shows that during the 2023/24 academic year, vaccination rates among 14 to 15-year-olds improved slightly, with 76.7% of girls and 71.2% of boys vaccinated by Year 10. The uptake for Year 8 students also saw a rise, reaching 72.9% for girls and 67.7% for boys, compared to 71.3% and 65.2% the previous year.

The NHS has set a target to increase vaccination rates among girls to 90% by 2040 as part of its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. This plan also includes efforts to boost attendance at cervical cancer screening appointments for women.

Dr. John Butler, a Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon at The Royal Marsden and Medical Director at The Lady Garden Foundation, expressed concern over the low vaccination rates. He stated, “Cervical cancer—and other HPV-related cancers—are often devastating diseases, but we have the power to eliminate them through vaccination and screening. It’s heartbreaking that so many young people are missing out on the protection the HPV vaccine offers, simply because uptake remains below NHS targets.”

Additionally, Jenny Halpern Prince MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of The Lady Garden Foundation, emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccine for all young people, not just females. She remarked, “The shocking figures released by the NHS today, revealing that over 400,000 children left school unvaccinated in the last three years alone, mean that so many young people are putting themselves at risk of cancers that they can protect themselves against.”

The HPV vaccine is effective and safe, available free through the NHS to anyone under 25 years of age from their GP, and will also be accessible at pharmacies starting in 2026. The Lady Garden Foundation is actively working to inform young people and their parents about the benefits of vaccination by participating in Freshers’ Fairs across the UK and providing resources on personal health and social education.

Health authorities urge all unvaccinated young people to schedule an appointment with their GP as soon as possible, stressing that there is no need to wait for an invitation. The ongoing campaign aims to ensure that everyone understands the significance of the HPV vaccine in protecting against multiple types of cancer.