As we mark Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised important concerns about the disparities in the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine across different regions in England.
The latest data highlights significant inequalities in HPV vaccination coverage, which could leave young people, especially women, vulnerable to HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer.
The UKHSA’s data shows a need for increased awareness and action to ensure that no one is left unprotected, regardless of where they live.
The Current Situation: Unequal HPV Vaccination Uptake
The data from the UKHSA for 2023 to 2024 reveals stark differences in HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents in different parts of England. In particular, there are notable variations between NHS regions and local authorities:
- For female Year 10 students, HPV vaccination coverage is lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%).
- For male Year 10 students, coverage is also lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%).
- At a local authority level, HPV coverage for female Year 10 students ranges from as low as 38.7% in Lambeth to as high as 97.6% in Northumberland.
- For male Year 10 students, the coverage is as low as 28.2% in Lambeth and as high as 92.2% in West Berkshire.
These figures point to a concerning pattern, where areas with higher deprivation rates, such as Lambeth, experience lower vaccination coverage. This leaves vulnerable populations at a higher risk of HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer.
The Importance of Early Vaccination
Research has shown that receiving the HPV vaccine before the age of 16 provides the strongest immune response, offering better protection against HPV-related cancers. While early vaccination is recommended, the HPV vaccine remains effective even when administered later through the catch-up programme.
The vaccine is currently offered in schools, with a single dose now being the standard. If young people missed their vaccinations in school, they can still get vaccinated for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery. This applies to both boys and girls born after September 1, 2006.
It’s crucial to understand that HPV vaccination is not only about protecting against cervical cancer. The vaccine also helps prevent other cancers, such as genital warts, and cancers of the head, neck, mouth, and throat, particularly in men.
Vaccinating boys plays an important role in preventing the spread of the virus, further helping reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women.
The Role of HPV Vaccination in Cancer Prevention
Dr. Sharif Ismail, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized the significance of the HPV vaccine as a powerful tool in cancer prevention. However, despite the availability of this life-saving vaccine, uptake remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Over a quarter of young people are still missing out on this crucial vaccine, which can protect them from various cancers in the future.
Dr. Ismail also stresses that while vaccination is vital, cervical screening appointments should not be ignored. Even if a person has received the HPV vaccine, attending regular cervical screening is essential for early detection and treatment of abnormal cells that could develop into cancer.
Addressing the Inequities
The disparities in HPV vaccine uptake are concerning, particularly as cancer rates are significantly higher in the most deprived areas of England. According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer incidence rates in the most deprived quintile are 65% higher compared to the least deprived.
Dr. Amanda Doyle OBE, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, echoed the need to boost vaccine uptake across all regions.
She highlighted the importance of reaching every Year 10 student, regardless of where they live, and ensuring that both boys and girls are vaccinated. This will help eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.
Call to Action: What Can Parents Do?
As part of the national effort to increase HPV vaccination coverage, parents are encouraged to promptly return consent forms for their children’s vaccinations.
A simple action like this could make a significant difference in protecting their children from cancer in the future. Parents of young adults who missed their school vaccinations are also urged to speak to their GP about catch-up options.
Why HPV Vaccination Matters
The HPV vaccine is a vital tool in the fight against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. The disparities in vaccine uptake across England highlight a need for targeted efforts to improve access to this life-saving intervention.
Both vaccination and cervical screening together provide the best protection against cervical cancer, and it is essential for everyone to take advantage of these offers. By addressing these inequalities, we can work towards a future where almost no one gets cervical cancer, ensuring better health for all young people.
