Time to Catch Up on HPV Vaccination

The UK Health Security Agency announced on December 14, 2021, although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage in 2020/2021 has improved significantly from the low levels reported for the 2019/2020 academic year, it is still not back up to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

A study published in The Lancet on November 3, 2021, observed a substantial reduction in cervical cancer and incidence of CIN3 in young women after the introduction of the HPV immunization program in England.

Furthermore, the HPV immunization program has almost eliminated cervical cancer in women born in England since September 1, 1995.

The study found that cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in women offered the HPV vaccine when they were aged 12 to 13 years.

Overall, the study estimated the HPV program had prevented about 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers.

Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a Consultant Epidemiologist at the U.K. Health Security Agency stated in a press release, 'The school-aged HPV immunization program was delivered throughout England despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.'

'Many young people who missed out have already been caught up.'

'But more work needs to be done to ensure all those eligible are vaccinated.''

We urge everyone eligible to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered.'

In the U.S., there are safe and effective HPV vaccines to protect males and females against cancers caused by HPV. 

These vaccines include 9vHPV, 4vHPV, and/or 2vHPV, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV vaccination for adolescents has been recommended for females since 2006 and males since 2011. 

The current HPV vaccine recommendations and dose schedule are found on this CDC website.