The uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among school pupils in England is experiencing a troubling decline, raising public health concerns. The vaccine, available for free through the National Health Service (NHS) until age 25, has been a cornerstone of cancer prevention strategies. Despite its proven effectiveness in reducing cervical cancer rates by up to 87%, recent data shows a decrease in vaccination rates among Year 8 pupils. This decline persists even as the vaccine has been offered to girls since 2008 and to boys since 2019.
Public Health Scotland's research underscores the vaccine's success, noting no cervical cancer cases in fully vaccinated women since the immunisation programme began in 2008. The vaccine, which can prevent six types of cancer, is safe and effective according to Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell. However, only 72.9% of Year 8 girls received the vaccine in the 2023-2024 academic year, a significant drop from 88% in 2018-2019. Among boys, uptake was 67.7%, down from 71% in 2020-2021, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data from January 2025.
A YouGov survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness about eligibility for the NHS HPV vaccination programme. Only 38% of respondents knew who was eligible, with just 18% aware that boys aged 12-13 could receive the vaccine, and only 22% aware that women up to age 25 were eligible. Dr Sharif Ismail emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions, stating:
"Some parents may still think that HPV is just for girls to protect against cervical cancer, but since 2019 the vaccine is also offered to all boys in Year 8 – protecting both boys and girls from several cancers caused by the HPV virus."
The UKHSA noted a slight improvement in Year 8 uptake in the 2023-2024 academic year compared to the previous year, with a modest increase of 1.6% for girls and 2.5% for boys. Despite this, overall vaccination rates remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Steve Russell highlighted the need for continued efforts:
"The NHS HPV vaccination already helps save thousands of lives, but we know there is more to do to ensure young people are getting protected."
Dr Sharif Ismail echoed these sentiments, stating:
"Although we have seen some increases in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-pandemic levels, with over a quarter missing out on this vital protection."
Cancer Research UK's Michelle Mitchell reinforced the vaccine's safety and efficacy:
"The science is clear: HPV vaccination is safe and effective."
Mitchell also stressed the importance of improving access:
"It's vital that access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening is improved to ensure more lives aren't lost."
Athena Lamnisos of The Eve Appeal emphasized the need for better information dissemination:
"We want every young person and every parent or carer to have the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination."
Leave a Reply