Improving HPV vaccine uptake
We are working with NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB), public health teams and vaccination providers to increase uptake of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination across all eligible groups. Increasing vaccination uptake is a key element to supporting NHS England’s pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), significantly reducing the risk of getting the virus its complications. HPV virus is a common virus that spreads through skin contact (usually via sexual contact).
There are many types of HPV, each one causing a slightly different disease. The vaccine protects us from the most harmful strains of HPV, which are linked with cancers like cervical, oropharyngeal, vaginal, anal, vulval and penile. Some of the other strains can cause genital warts.
Since the development of the vaccine, a reduction in the number of the above cancers, especially cervical, dropped significantly. This shows effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in stopping the progression of the disease and is estimated that the vaccine will save thousands of lives in the UK.
The campaign, which we have funded, has been developed by the London Boroughs of Barnet and Haringey, and supported by the North Central London Integrated Care System. It focuses on engagement and communication with young people and their parents/carers. The eligible groups are students in Year 8 who are vaccinated in school.
Click here to see videos created by Haringey Council.
Catch up vaccinations are also available in the community for young people up to the age of 25 years (including boys born after 2006), and men who have sex with men, up to the age of 45 years.
