Over a third of London pupils missing out on vital protection against several cancers from HPV vaccine

The NHS HPV vaccination programme in England, delivered in schools, has dramatically lowered HPV infections and rates of cervical cancer in vaccine-eligible women, with the strongest effects seen in those offered vaccination at younger ages.

However, with over a third of eligible London pupils missing out on this vital life-saving protection each year, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is today reminding young people and parents in London that HPV vaccination is for both girls and boys – as it protects all young adults, men and women, against genital warts and some cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers.

The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year 8 since September 2008. From September 2019, the vaccine has also been offered to year 8 boys. This is because the evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers. This protection is now provided with just one dose of HPV vaccine.

UKHSA London is urging all young people to take up the HPV vaccine in schools when offered – with parents ensuring they sign the consent forms to enable their children to be vaccinated. Latest figures overall indicate that uptake is stabilising, with encouraging signs of increases when people are first offered the vaccine in year 8.

However, London is still the region with the lowest uptake in England. The most recent HPV vaccine uptake data for the 2023 to 2024 academic year - following the move from two doses to one dose through the routine adolescent HPV programme in September 2023 - show that in London:

• Uptake among year 8 females was 61.6% (4.2% higher than the previous year) and 57% for year 8 males (3.5% higher than the previous year)
• Uptake among year 9 females was 60.9% (5.2% lower than the previous year) and 56.5% for year 9 males (2.8% lower than previous year)

Rachel Thorn Heathcock, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA, said:

“The HPV vaccine is one of the most successful in the world, now given as just a single dose helping to prevent HPV related cancers.

“We urge young people in London to take up this vaccine when offered. We also urge parents to ensure they sign the consent forms to enable their children to be vaccinated. Look out for the invitation from your school and if you missed your HPV vaccine for any reason, you can contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment - you remain eligible to have the vaccine until your 25th birthday.

“It is essential that more young people get protected to help prevent HPV-associated cancers and save lives.”