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Youth

Unequal HPV Vaccination Uptake Leaves Young Women Exposed to Cervical Cancer in England

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

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

Key Takeaways:

  • The 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%), with a 17.8% difference between the two regions.
  • HPV coverage for male year 10 students by NHS commissioning region was lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%), with an 18.4% difference between the two regions.
  • HPV coverage for female year 10 students at local authority level ranged from 38.7% in Lambeth to 97.6% in Northumberland, highlighting significant disparities within local areas.
  • The HPV coverage for male year 10 students at local authority level ranged from 28.2% in Lambeth to 92.2% in West Berkshire, demonstrating significant disparities within local areas.
  • Research shows that receiving the HPV vaccine before age 16 provides significantly stronger immune responses and greater protection against HPV-related cancers.
  • Early vaccination is optimal, but getting the HPV vaccine later as part of the catch-up programme still provides strong protection against HPV-related cancers.
  • Data provided by Cancer Research UK on cervical cancer incidence statistics reveal that rates in England are 65% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least.
  • Dr. Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, encouraged parents to return their children's HPV vaccination consent forms promptly to protect them from developing cancer in the future.
  • Young adults up to age 25 who missed their school vaccinations can still receive catch-up options through their GP.

Statistics:

  • HPV coverage for female year 10 students by NHS commissioning region: highest in the South East (82.7%) and lowest in London (64.9%)
  • HPV coverage for male year 10 students by NHS commissioning region: highest in the South East (77.3%) and lowest in London (58.9%)
  • HPV coverage for female year 10 students at local authority level: ranged from 38.7% in Lambeth to 97.6% in Northumberland
  • HPV coverage for male year 10 students at local authority level: ranged from 28.2% in Lambeth to 92.2% in West Berkshire
  • Cervical cancer incidence rates in England: 65% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least
  • Number of young people missing out on the HPV vaccine: over a quarter (many thousands)
  • Year 10 girls in some areas: extremely unlikely to develop cervical cancer
  • Young adults up to age 25: can still receive catch-up options through their GP

Sources:

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

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