Young People in the Midlands are being urged to catch up on any missed HPV vaccinations ahead of International HPV Day which takes place on Saturday 4 March 2023.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a very common group of viruses some of which are linked to the development of cancers – particularly cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital cancer and cancers of the head and neck.

Latest figures on the adolescent HPV immunisation programme for 2021 to 2022, which is primarily delivered in schools, shows that 18% of females and more than 23% of male pupils in Year 9 still have to have a dose of the vaccine.

Girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years in the Midlands are routinely offered HPV vaccination when they’re in school Year 8.

All the routine adolescent immunisation programmes have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and coverage is not back up to pre-pandemic levels, but the NHS is making a huge effort to ensure girls and boys in the region get their vaccination.

Young people in year 8 will be offered the vaccine this year, but any who have missed it, and those in year 9 who have missed out on their HPV vaccinations should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up – they remain eligible until their 25th birthday.

In addition to HPV vaccination of young people, all women aged 25 and over in the region are offered cervical screening which can detect early signs of disease and so also prevent cancers and deaths.

There are many types of HPV, some of which are called “high risk” because they’re linked to the development of cancers. High risk types of HPV can be found in more than 99% of cervical cancers.

Roz Lindridge, Regional Director of Commissioning at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “I encourage all 12 and 13 year olds who are offered this vaccine to take it – it could save their lives as infections do not usually cause any symptoms, and most people will not know they’re infected.

“The HPV programme in the Midlands is saving lives and has shown to have dramatically lowered rates of harmful infections and cervical cancer in vaccinated women, with the strongest effects seen in those vaccinated at younger ages. HPV vaccination also protects against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some cancers of the head and neck.”

The HPV vaccine will prevent most cervical cancer cases, but not all, and so even vaccinated women should still attend for cervical screening when invited to do so. Anyone who misses an appointment should arrange another screening as soon as possible.

For more information visit the NHS website.

Further information on International HPV Day is available at https://www.askabouthpv.org/