Cervical Cancer Rates Rise in England’s Deprived Areas Amid Low HPV Vaccine Uptake

Health experts in England are raising alarms about the low uptake of the HPV vaccine among adolescents, particularly in London, where vaccination rates for Year 10 girls and boys are significantly lower compared to other regions such as the South East. This low vaccination coverage is contributing to an increased risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers, especially in deprived areas where cervical cancer rates are already 65% higher than in wealthier regions. The HPV vaccine, typically given in Year 8 or 9, is highly effective at preventing cancers caused by high-risk HPV strains, and early vaccination before age 16 produces a stronger immune response. Despite available catch-up vaccination programs for those who missed the initial doses, disparities persist at local authority levels, with vaccination rates ranging from as low as 28.2% to as high as 97.6%. Health officials emphasize the urgency of improving vaccine coverage to achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in England by 2040. The vaccine also protects against other cancers and genital warts, underscoring its importance as a critical public health tool.