The NHS in London encourages HPV vaccine uptake as number of children getting protected in the capital still falls behind the national average
The NHS is encouraging parents, carers and young people to learn about the life-saving HPV vaccine during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
The vaccine, which was introduced in 2008, helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and as a result of people receiving the vaccine there has been a drop in the number of people getting cervical cancer and other conditions linked to HPV.
Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK. The HPV vaccine is part of the NHS routine vaccination programme. It is first offered in schools to children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) with a catch-up vaccine offered to older years (9-11).
The latest figures for London show that more children in year 8 are getting the HPV vaccination, with the number of boys vaccinated up by around 2% and the number of girls up by 2.6%. However, around two out of every five children are still not vaccinated against HPV.
If missed in school, the vaccine is available for free on the NHS until age 25. Parents and young people can speak with their school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery about how to get the vaccine.
NHS London’s chief nurse Karen Bonner said: “Cervical cancer can often be prevented, and the HPV vaccine plays a key role in reducing the risk. Since the programme started in 2008, rates of cervical cancer have dropped significantly, saving many lives. The vaccine is safe and the best way to protect ourselves and our children from this virus. If you have any questions, please ask your local doctor or nurse for advice.”
HPV is a common virus that affects the skin. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by the body within two years. But some types can cause genital warts or cancer, including cervical cancer.
As well as getting vaccinated, it’s important for people with a cervix to attend regular cervical screening (smear tests) when invited. Screening can detect early changes and prevent cancer from developing.
Steve Russell, chief delivery officer and national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “The HPV vaccine provides protection against a range of cancers in just a single dose, and supporting more young people to get vaccinated is vital to our ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
“It’s encouraging that today’s figures show a rise in vaccination coverage across year 8 children, but almost a third are still yet to receive this vital protection.
“The NHS HPV vaccine programme is offered to school aged children in years 8 to 11, with a catch-up offer available at GPs for those eligible, and it is essential that more young people get protected to help prevent more cancers and save lives.”
To find out more about the HPV vaccine or cervical screening, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP.
The NHS in London is promoting the HPV vaccine through the Why We Get Vaccinated campaign. Launched in October last year, the campaign looks to build trust with communities by being informative rather than instructive.
