The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that 1 in 4 school-leavers in England remain unvaccinated against HPV, leaving them vulnerable to cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Annual data for the 2024/25 school year shows stable uptake at 75.5% for girls and 70.5% for boys by year 10, though rates are significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels of around 90%. Regional disparities persist, with London recording the lowest uptake at 61% for girls and 56.9% for boys. Vaccinations are offered to students in year 8, with catch-up available until age 25. Officials emphasize the need for targeted action to improve uptake, as the vaccine prevents cervical cancer and conditions like head and neck cancers. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock announced expanded catch-up access through community pharmacies in 2026.
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Summary adapted from content licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
For details, see https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/.
Original source: https://www.gov.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/1-in-4-school-leavers-unprotected-by-hpv-vaccine
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