This vaccination gap is putting tens of thousands at heightened danger of contracting severe cancers in adulthood
A stark NHS warning has revealed that around one in four young people are leaving school without vaccine protections. The failure to get vaccinated against the cancer-linked human papillomavirus (HPV) is leaving tens of thousands at higher risk of developing serious cancers later in life.
New data highlighted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that HPV vaccine uptake among school leavers remains worryingly low. Around 25% are failing to receive the jab before they leave education.
The warning was issued in an NHS social media post, which urged young people who missed out at school to come forward for a catch-up vaccination. HPV is a very common virus, passed on through close skin-to-skin contact, and is linked to a range of cancers including cervical, mouth and throat, anal, penile, vaginal and vulval cancers, as well as genital warts.
The NHS vaccination programme routinely offers the HPV jab to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 (school Year 8), when it provides the strongest and longest-lasting protection. However, officials say coverage has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
According to the NHS, although uptake has improved slightly since Covid, coverage is still well below previous highs, meaning thousands of young people are missing out on protection against cancers that are largely preventable.
The NHS is now urging anyone who left school without being vaccinated to act quickly. Young people can get the HPV vaccine free on the NHS from their GP practice up until their 25th birthday, even if they missed it at school. Those who are still in education can receive catch-up doses through school-age immunisation service (SAIS) teams, while others are advised to contact their GP surgery directly.
The NHS stresses that the vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV, but says it is still highly effective when given later and remains a crucial line of defence against future cancer risk. Health officials are warning that unless uptake improves, preventable cancers could rise in coming decades – despite the existence of a safe, effective and free vaccine.
HPV vaccine: the key facts
- Routinely offered to 12- to 13-year-olds in school
- Protects against HPV strains linked to multiple cancers
- Free NHS catch-up vaccination available up to age 25 for those who missed out
More information is available on the NHS website.
