Number of children to get HPV vaccine plummets in Rutland

There are calls for more children in Rutland to get their HPV vaccine, after uptake plummeted between year 9 and year 8 last year.

Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show 97% of girls in year 9, aged 13-14, had at least one dose in the county in 2021, compared to just 61.2% of year 8s. The male data was inconclusive.

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive of the Cervical Cancer Trust, said: 'The vaccination is usually given in year 8, but obviously we've had covid and a pandemic and schools have been closed.'

'We haven't yet seen those vaccination rates bounce back and we really need them to be at least 90% if we have the best chance of eliminating cervical cancer, according to The World Health Organisation.'

'Having the vaccination when you're young is particularly important because it's proven to be most effective at the time that it's given.'

'Visit the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website, you'll find lots of information that's simple - easy to understand and should hopefully give you the assurance that you need to make a decision on it.'

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