Yorkshire Cancer Research urges young people to get HPV jab as 34,000 leave school without it
18% of people in Yorkshire left school without having it over the last three years
Yorkshire Cancer Research is urging young people to get the HPV vaccine following news that 16 to 25-year-olds will now be invited to have the injection.
The HPV vaccine, usually offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13, protects against nine types of HPV, two of which cause 7 in 10 cases of cervical cancer.
The Harrogate based charity says the vaccine will play a key role in the Government’s plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
However, data shows more than 34,000 young people in Yorkshire (18%) have left school without the protection in the last three years.
Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “Cervical cancer will not become a thing of the past unless young people are fully vaccinated against HPV."
"Every year, nearly 250 women in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 60 women die from it.
"Nearly all cervical cancers could be prevented if everyone gets the HPV vaccine when invited, but the latest data shows fewer children than ever before are taking up the offer of this vital protection.
“Vaccination rates are currently at their lowest levels due to severe disruption to the programme during the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy and fatigue following the pandemic, and staffing issues.
“To make the elimination of cervical cancer a reality, it’s essential that children and young people get the HPV vaccination and that all women, whether they are vaccinated or not, take part in the national screening programme when invited.”