HPV vaccine coverage in the South West outperforms national average, but nearly 56,000 eligible young people remain unprotected

The UK Health Security Agency has published annual coverage data for the HPV vaccination programme for the 2024/25 school year. While the South West has achieved higher vaccination rates than the England average across all year groups, around 1 in 4 young people in the region are still leaving school without protection.

Key findings for the South West:

• HPV uptake by Year 10 in the South West was 78.0% for girls and 73.8% for boys, higher than the England averages of 75.5% and 70.5%, respectively
• Somerset achieved the highest Year 10 coverage in the region, with 84.9% of girls and 81.0% of boys vaccinated
• South West Year 8 coverage reached 73.7% for girls and 68.5% for boys, compared to national figures of 71.7% and 67.0%
• Coverage varied across the region, with Bristol recording the lowest Year 8 uptake (63.6% for girls, 59.0% for boys)

The pandemic significantly impacted vaccinations in schools, with uptake still well below pre-pandemic levels of around 90%. While uptake has remained relatively stable since the previous report, thousands of young people in the South West are still leaving school unprotected.

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said:

"The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-preventing vaccines available. Just a single dose, given in school, protects against cervical cancer and several other cancers caused by HPV that affect both boys and girls. The vaccine saves thousands of lives each year.

"While HPV uptake has remained stable, vaccination rates are still well below pre-pandemic levels and around 1 in 4 young people in the South West are still leaving school unprotected against these cancers.

"I'd urge any parent whose child has missed their HPV vaccine not to wait, speak to your GP or local NHS service today."

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said:

“In the South West, HPV vaccination is helping us to achieve our goals of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. While our uptake rate is higher than in other parts of England, it is vital that we vaccinate as many young people against HPV as we can.

“HPV vaccination doesn’t just provide protection against cervical cancer. It also provides protection against cancers such as head and neck (mouth and throat) and penile cancers. That’s why it’s important that boys and girls both take up the offer of HPV when offered.

“Even if you have missed your HPV vaccination at school, there is still time to catch up before your 25^th birthday – speak with your GP to find out how.”

Research has shown that receiving the HPV vaccine before age 16 provides significantly stronger immune responses and greater protection against HPV-related cancers. For those who missed their school HPV vaccinations, catch-up options remain available and are highly effective. Anyone who missed their HPV vaccination, now just a single jab, can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery.

While the HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, attending cervical screening appointments remains crucial, even if you have been vaccinated. Screening can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, allowing for early treatment and prevention.