The NHS is encouraging parents and carers in the South East to ensure that children receive their HPV vaccination.

The vaccine 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. It also protects men and women against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers.

The HPV virus is very common, and left unvaccinated someone has a 70% of being infected with it.

This week, new data released by UKHSA highlights that while the South East has the strongest vaccine coverage in England for children, around 2 in 10 year 9 students remain unvaccinated – lower than pre-pandemic levels.

In the 2023 to 2024 academic year, HPV vaccine coverage for Year 8 students in the South East was the highest among all NHS regions. Despite this achievement, there is still a need to ensure that all eligible young people receive their vaccinations. The data shows that while the South East leads in coverage, there are still disparities that need addressing, particularly among males.

Similarly, for Year 9 students, the South East again had the highest coverage, although coverage in males is lower than females.

Caroline Reid, NHS England’s regional director of commissioning in the South East, said: “It’s encouraging to see that the South East has the highest HPV coverage for Year 8 and 9 students, however vaccine uptake among school pupils nationally still remains well below pre-pandemic levels and there is certainly no room for complacency.

“The HPV vaccine is a vital tool in preventing cancers caused by the virus, and ensuring high coverage will protect the health of our community.”

Clare Humphreys, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South East, said:

“It’s fantastic to see HPV uptake rates increasing from last year in the South East and being some of the highest in the country. We urge young people to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered. Parents should look out for the invitation from school and if your child missed their HPV vaccine, get in touch with their GP to arrange an appointment – they remain eligible to receive the vaccine until their 25th birthday.”

The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year 8 since September 2008 and to boys in the same year group since September 2019. This is because the evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.

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.

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.

For more information on the HPV vaccine, visit the NHS website.