PARENTS and carers are being asked to have their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to some types of cancer.
Nationally, school children are offered the vaccine aged 12/13 (Year 8), but current vaccine uptake among school pupils across the country still remains well below pre-pandemic levels according to NHS figures.
Without the vaccine, people have a 70 per cent chance of being infected with the virus which can result in genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, and some mouth, throat, head and neck cancers.
The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year 8 since September 2008 and to boys in the same year group since September 2019.
There is clear evidence that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.
Dr Anant Sachdev, a GP and the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance Early Diagnosis Clinical Lead, said: “Our advice is for young people to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered as there is a risk of catching the virus because it is so common. The vaccine reduces your chances of getting HPV, a common virus that’s spread through skin contact – usually when having sex. Most types of HPV are harmless, but some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer in later age such as cervical, mouth, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal cancers and genital warts.”
Dr Sachdev added: “Parents or carers should look out for the invitation from school and if their child missed their HPV vaccine, speak with their school nurse, school vaccination team or GP surgery about how to get the vaccine – they remain eligible to receive the NHS vaccine until their 25th birthday.”
Details on how to book and contact details can be found at the Berkshire SAIS website
