NHS Urges Parents to Protect Children Against Cervical Cancer as HPV Jab Rates Drop

One in Five 15-Year-Olds Unvaccinated

NHS chiefs are calling on parents to ensure their children receive the HPV jab in order to eliminate cervical cancer, as statistics reveal that one in five 15-year-olds have not been vaccinated. This plea comes just a week after efforts were made to increase the uptake of the measles shot.

Drop in HPV Vaccine Coverage

Figures show that the coverage of the HPV vaccine decreased last year, with 16.8% of girls and 21.4% of boys not receiving immunization by the end of Year 10. In 2022, the percentage of unprotected girls dropped to 13.5%, while it was 18.5% for boys.

Protection Against Cervical Cancer

The HPV jab helps protect against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is responsible for 99% of cervical cancer cases. NHS England has committed to eradicating cervical cancer by 2040 by targeting the virus.

Additional Cancer Prevention

In addition to cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine can also help prevent cancers of the throat, neck, head, penis, vagina, and anus, all of which can be caused by HPV. There are over 3,000 cases of cervical cancer reported each year in the UK.

Common and Harmless, Yet Dangerous

HPV is very common, with more than eight in 10 people contracting at least one type in their lifetime. While most strains are harmless, some can contribute to cancer while others cause warts.

Urging Parents to Act

Steve Russell, NHS vaccines director, is urging parents to consent to their children receiving the HPV vaccine from nurses when they visit schools. With just one dose now providing full protection for individuals under 25, it is easier than ever to ensure that children are fully protected.

Availability and Age

Children are typically offered the HPV vaccine in secondary school when they are 12 or 13 years old. However, those who have missed the vaccination can receive it from their GP surgery if they are female and younger than 25, or if they are male and born since September 2006.