More than a quarter of pupils are missing out on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, leaving many at risk of cancer, a new report has found. It found that a "dangerously low" level of awareness about the vaccine remains a major barrier to uptake.
A YouGov survey of 2123 UK adults, conducted last month for the gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal, highlighted the issue. It found that 38% of respondents did not know who was eligible for the National Health Service (NHS) HPV vaccination programme. While 40% were aware that 12-13-year-old girls could receive the vaccine, only 18% knew it was also offered to boys of the same age.
"We know that this is largely because of a huge information and understanding gap around how effective the vaccine is as a cancer prevention tool," said The Eve Appeal CEO, Athena Lamnisos, in a statement. "We've got a long way to go reach the target."
Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "Some parents may still think that HPV is just for girls to protect against cervical cancer, but since 2019 the vaccine is also offered to all boys in Year 8 - protecting both boys and girls from several cancers caused by the HPV virus."
Steve Russell, NHS England's national director for vaccinations and screening, stressed the vaccine's importance "The NHS HPV vaccination already helps save thousands of lives, but we know there is more to do to ensure young people are getting protected," he said in a statement.
High-risk strains of HPV cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. The virus is also linked with head and neck, anal, penile, vulval, and vaginal cancers. Low-risk strains can cause benign conditions like genital warts.
The vaccine has been offered to all Year 8 girls since September 2008 and to Year 8 boys since September 2019. Data has shown that the HPV vaccine can reduce cervical cancer rates by up to 87%and is more effective when given early. Public Health Scotland research found no cervical cancer cases in fully vaccinated women since the immunisation programme began in Scotland in 2008.
UKHSA data from January 2025 showed that school HPV vaccine uptake in England remains below pre-pandemic levels and continues to decline. In the 2023-2024 academic year, just 72.9% of Year 8 girls received the vaccine, down from 88% in 2018-2019. Among boys, uptake was 67.7%, down from 71% in 2020-2021.
The UKHSA noted a slight improvement in Year 8 uptake in 2023-2024 compared with the previous year -- an increase of 1.6% for girls and 2.5% for boys. However, uptake among older pupils in Years 9 and 10 declined.
"Although we have seen some increases in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-pandemic levels, with over a quarter missing out on this vital protection," warned Ismail.
The HPV vaccine is available for free on the NHS until age 25 through a catch-up programme. It is also offered up to age 45 for high-risk groups, including men and trans people who sleep with men, sex workers, and people who are immunosuppressed.
However, survey results show a significant lack of awareness about the catch-up programme. Only 22% of respondents knew that women up to age 25 were eligible, including just 33% of 18-24-year-olds. Awareness was even lower for men, with only 9% of respondents -- and 19% in the 18-24-year-old group -- knowing they could receive the vaccine up to age 25. Just 14% were aware that high-risk groups could receive it until age 45.
"The science is clear: HPV vaccination is safe and effective," said Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, in a statement. "It's vital that access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening is improved to ensure more lives aren't lost."
Lamnisos emphasised the vaccine's role in preventing six types of cancer. "We want every young person and every parent or carer to have the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination," she said.