Unequal HPV Vaccination Uptake in England Leaves Thousands Without Protection Against Cervical and Other Cancers

As Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness week begins, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning that variations in geographical coverage of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in adolescents across England is leaving young women in some areas with less protection against cervical and some other cancers. Despite the opportunities to eliminate cervical cancer, the latest UKHSA HPV coverage data in adolescents 2023 to 2024 shows inequalities in vaccination uptake in different areas and regions across the country.

Key Takeaways:

• HPV coverage for female year 10 students by NHS commissioning region was lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%), while for male year 10 students, the lowest coverage was also in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%).
• Data provided by Cancer Research UK on Cervical cancer incidence statistics report that rates in England are 65% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least.
• Receiving the HPV vaccine before age 16 provides significantly stronger immune responses and greater protection against HPV-related cancers, while getting the vaccine later as part of the catch-up programme still provides strong protection.
• Catch-up options for those who missed their school HPV vaccinations in year 8 and 9 remain available and are highly effective, and anyone who missed their HPV vaccination can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery.
• HPV vaccinations are also offered to boys in school in year 8 and 9, helping protect them against HPV infection and its complications, including genital warts, head and neck cancers, and genital cancers.
• Dr Sharif Ismail, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasizes that the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool for cancer prevention, and however, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels, with over a quarter of young people missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine.
• Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, highlights the need for local authorities and health services to work together to improve access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, which together provide the best protection against cervical cancer.
• Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, urges all parents to give their consent for their child to be vaccinated, and emphasizes that those who remain unvaccinated and have left school can still get vital protection by contacting their GP practice to catch up before their 25th birthday.

Statistics:

• HPV coverage for female year 10 students by NHS commissioning region: London (64.9%), North West (75.3%), North East (76.4%), South East (82.7%), and Midlands (79.3%).
• HPV coverage for male year 10 students by NHS commissioning region: London (58.9%), North West (69.5%), North East (70.6%), South East (77.3%), and Midlands (73.1%).
• HPV coverage for female year 10 students at local authority level: ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth) to 97.6% (Northumberland).
• HPV coverage for male year 10 students at local authority level: ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth) to 92.2% (West Berkshire).
• Cancer incidence rates in England: 65% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least.
• Number of young people missing out on HPV vaccine: over a quarter.

Sources:

• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• Cancer Research UK
• NHS England