{"id":8652,"date":"2025-05-09T13:43:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8652"},"modified":"2025-08-20T14:44:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T14:44:49","slug":"what-happened-with-hpv-vaccine-uptake-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/what-happened-with-hpv-vaccine-uptake-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"What happened with HPV vaccine uptake in the UK?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What happened with HPV vaccine in the UK?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y3BQETSWDec?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK has maintained a comprehensive and effective vaccine strategy to combat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/hpv\"><strong>HPV<\/strong><\/a> for many years. However, recent evidence indicates that the uptake of this vaccine has slowed, raising questions about the country\u2019s future response to cervical cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what\u2019s going on? Keep reading to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"752\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-2.jpeg\" alt=\"A person and person kissing\n\nAI-generated content may be incorrect.\" class=\"wp-image-8653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-2.jpeg 752w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-2-300x152.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Worried you might have HPV? Secure your peace of mind with Better2Know\u2019s HPV Home Test Kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaginal-swab\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>What is the HPV vaccine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>HPV is the most common STI in the world; it\u2019s so common, in fact, that the vast majority of sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most HPV infections are completely harmless. These infections typically don\u2019t cause any symptoms and are resolved by your immune system without incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some strains of HPV cause genital warts, which are harmless fleshy protuberances that appear around the genital area. Most cases of genital warts resolve within a couple of years, but they can also be treated with topical creams or removed surgically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, HPV isn\u2019t completely harmless. A couple of strains of HPV (HPV 16 and HPV 18) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/cervical\"><strong>cause around 99.7% of all cervical cancers<\/strong><\/a>. High risk strains are also responsible for causing a large number of other cancers, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/the-connection-between-hpv-and-penile-cancer\/\"><strong>penile<\/strong><\/a>, mouth, vaginal, vulval, and anal cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To combat the rising incidence of cervical cancer, the UK government launched a vaccination program in 2008, utilising the Gardasil 9 vaccine, which protects against nine types of HPV associated with various cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>When do people get it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All children in year 8 (around 12-13 years old) are routinely offered the HPV vaccine. Initially, the vaccine was only available to girls. In 2019, the vaccine was also made available to boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NHS also encourages other groups to get vaccinated. In particular, men aged 45 and under who have sex with men, people under the age of 25 who missed earlier vaccinations, and other at-risk groups, such as sex workers and individuals with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/hiv\"><strong>HIV<\/strong><\/a><strong>,<\/strong> are also encouraged to get the vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vaccine is most effective in those who have not yet stated their sex lives, but it still is quite effective in reducing cases of HPV related disease. The manufacturer considers the age of 30 to be the point where its efficacy starts to wane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Why has uptake declined?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer to this question is a bit complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, the UK Health Security Agency <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-annual-data-tables\/sexually-transmitted-infections-and-screening-for-chlamydia-in-england-2023-report\"><strong>reported<\/strong><\/a> a concerning increase in new STI infections. In response, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) produced its own report, focusing on the prevalence of STIs among young people and other high-risk groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the main areas of concern was the drop in HPV vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic. While levels of uptake appear to be stabilising, they remain significantly below 2019 levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022-2023, 71.3% of year 8 females received dose 1 of the vaccine, 16.7% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Since the WEC published its report, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine-coverage-estimates-in-england-2023-to-2024\/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccination-coverage-in-adolescents-in-england-2023-to-2024#factors-affecting-hpv-vaccine-coverage-estimates\"><strong>figures<\/strong><\/a> for 2023-2024 have been released, indicating further decreases in uptake. Post-pandemic catch-up activity has been completed in only 62% of local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch-up vaccinations are recommended. Although they are not as effective when administered in later years, the vaccine still provides a degree of protection against HPV. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.parliament.uk\/pa\/cm5804\/cmselect\/cmwomeq\/463\/report.html#footnote-008\"><strong>evidence<\/strong><\/a> also suggests that vaccination may benefit people who have already been infected with the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it remains unclear why these levels have dropped off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One reason provided by School Age Immunisation Services (SAIS) is the increase in the number of consent forms that were declined or not returned. This may indicate a lack of engagement, potentially influenced by vaccine hesitancy or fatigue from a large vaccination program rolled out during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staffing shortages also hinder follow-ups with non-consenting students. The disruption of the HPV vaccination programme during the pandemic continues to affect coverage in some cohorts in year 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disruption of the vaccination program will likely hinder the Government\u2019s target of achieving 90% coverage by 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the 7<sup>th<\/sup> of May, the Government published a <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.parliament.uk\/pa\/cm5901\/cmselect\/cmwomeq\/865\/report.html\"><strong>response<\/strong><\/a> to the WEC report, in which it responded to concerns about declines in the vaccination rate: \u201cA range of activities have been undertaken since the pandemic to recover school aged vaccination services. School aged vaccination teams are working in line with their service specification to offer various catch-up initiatives to target unvaccinated individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What does this mean for the future?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Government\u2019s response to the decline in vaccine uptake highlighted its ongoing commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in the UK by 2040: \u201cThe expectation is for all regions to achieve 90% HPV vaccine coverage for both males and females, and this is supported by the quality standards and requirements of the school-age service specification.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Important changes to the vaccination program have been undertaken to make it more effective, including offering a single dose instead of two doses. The plan also encourages clinicians to \u201cuse their clinical discretion to vaccinate eligible, unvaccinated individuals using national vaccine stock.\u201d NHS England has created a plan to \u201csupport regions and their commissioned providers to improve vaccine uptake,\u201d focusing on \u201cequitable access, raising professional and public awareness, and enhanced digital capabilities via the implementation of an NHSE-owned digital tool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the HPV vaccination program in the UK has been effective, gaps still exist. If you\u2019re worried about HPV, and want to get tested, click the button below to book an STI test at a sexual health clinic near you today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"752\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-3.jpeg\" alt=\"A person smiling while holding a phone\n\nAI-generated content may be incorrect.\" class=\"wp-image-8654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-3.jpeg 752w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-3-300x152.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don\u2019t leave your sexual health to chance. Book your appointment at a sexual health clinic near you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/clinics\/book-online\/choose-clinic\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Simple Share Buttons Adder (8.1.2) simplesharebuttons.com --><div class=\"ssba-classic-2 ssba ssbp-wrap left ssbp--theme-1\"><div style=\"text-align:left\"><span class=\"ssba-share-text\">Share this...<\/span><br\/><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_facebook_share\" href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652\"  target=\"_blank\" ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/facebook.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on Facebook\" \/><div title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Facebook<\/div><\/a><a data-site='pinterest' class='ssba_pinterest_share' href='javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement(&apos;script&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;type&apos;,&apos;text\/javascript&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;charset&apos;,&apos;UTF-8&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;src&apos;,&apos;\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinmarklet.js?r=&apos;+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());'><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/pinterest.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Pin on Pinterest\" \/><div title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Pinterest<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_twitter_share\" href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652&amp;text=What%20happened%20with%20HPV%20vaccine%20uptake%20in%20the%20UK%3F%20\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/twitter.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Tweet about this on Twitter\" \/><div title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Twitter<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"linkedin\" class=\"ssba_linkedin_share ssba_share_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/linkedin.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"LinkedIn\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on LinkedIn\" \/><div title=\"Linkedin\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article has been medically reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/dr-steve-chapman\"><strong>Dr. Steve Chapman<\/strong><\/a>, 04\/08\/2025.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UK has maintained a comprehensive and effective vaccine strategy to combat HPV for many years. However, recent evidence indicates that the uptake of this vaccine has slowed, raising questions about the country\u2019s future response to cervical cancer. But what\u2019s going on? Keep reading to find out more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[21,3397],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[612,855,620,624,615,563,961,3359,621,626],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8652"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8766,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8652\/revisions\/8766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8652"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=8652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}