The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is concerned about the regional disparities in HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents in England that are putting young people, particularly girls, at increased risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
Latest 2023-24 HPV coverage data shows that although some areas are achieving high vaccination rates, others are worryingly falling behind. For example, in Lambeth, only 38.7 per cent of Year 10 girls and 28.2 per cent of boys received the vaccine, while this number was at 97.6 per cent (girls) and 92.2 per cent (boys) in Northumberland and West Berkshire, respectively.
The lowest levels of uptake for boys and girls is in London, with just 64.9 per cent of girls and 58.9 per cent of boys receiving it. Highest coverage levels are in the South East, where 82.7 per cent of girls and 77.3 per cent of boys were accessing the vaccine.
According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer rates are 65 per cent higher in England’s most droves areas compared to the least deprived, so these statistics are deeply concerning.
Consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr Sharif Ismail, commented: “The HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, is one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention. Every vaccination represents a young person with better protection against the devastating impact of HPV-related cancers and we must do more to ensure that no teenager girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection no matter where they live.
“Although we have seen some increase in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels. Over a quarter of young people, many thousands, are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine, which protects not only against cervical cancer but all young adults, men and women, against genital warts and some genital cancers, as well as mouth and throat cancers.
“We’re calling on all parents to return their children’s HPV vaccination consent forms promptly. This simple action could protect your child from developing cancer in the future. For young adults up to age 25, who missed their school vaccinations, please speak to your GP about catch-up options. It’s never too late to get protected.
“And it’s important to stress that even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s vital you still attend your cervical screening appointments when invited. Both vaccination and screening together give you your best chance of protection against cervical cancer.”
