As today (Wednesday 4 March) is International HPV Awareness Day, a senior local doctor has urged young people to come forward and get protected.
The HPV vaccine – which protects against a common virus which causes cervical cancer and is also linked to other cancers and infections – is usually given when children are in year 8 at school (around the age of 12 or 13), but those who missed their vaccination can receive it up to the age of 25.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, as well as many other types of cancer in both women and men. A single dose of the vaccine protects individuals against HPV for the rest of their life. HPV is very common and is usually spread through skin contact.
If you missed your vaccination when you were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available free on the NHS if you are aged 24 or under and meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
In addition, men who have sex with men are at higher risk and are also eligible to receive the vaccine at local GUM or sexual health clinics, up to and including the age of 45.
Catch-up clinics are being held from 10am to 3pm at the following places in Hertfordshire:
Saturday 21 March
- Queensway Health Centre, Queensway, Hatfield, AL10 0LF
- Peace Children’s Centre, Peace Prospect, Watford, WD17 3EW
- St Michaels Mead Community Centre, Turners Crescent, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4FZ
Sunday 22 March
- Waltham Cross Health Centre, Stanhope Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 7DJ
Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB: “I’d encourage anyone who has missed the HPV vaccine in year 8 to take up the offer of a vaccine now. It’s never too late to get the protection you need.
“The HPV vaccine protects you against most HPV infections. HPV has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it. Since the vaccine was introduced, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV, including cervical cancer and genital warts.
“Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK. Please remember, though, that it’s still important to attend cervical screening appointments when you’re invited, even if you’ve been vaccinated against HPV, as there’s still a small chance you could get cervical cancer.”
Becky Twist, Operational Manager at East of England Community and School Aged Immunisation Service, said:
“We know that life gets busy, and sometimes vaccinations get missed at school – but it’s really important to remember that you haven’t missed your chance.
“If you are under 25 and are eligible for the HPV vaccine but didn’t have the dose in year 8, come along to one of our catch-up clinics. Our teams are friendly, experienced and happy to answer any questions. It’s a quick appointment that could make a lifelong difference.”
More information about the HPV vaccination programme is available on the NHS website.
A new set of youth-friendly vaccination materials, which aims to improve understanding and increase uptake, has been developed by the East of England Community and School Aged Immunisation Service, supported by NHS England and co-produced with children, young people, schools and frontline clinicians. It includes a three-minute video explaining the range of vaccines offered to young people at secondary school, including the HPV vaccine.