Kids in poorest areas far less likely to get life-saving HPV vaccine, concerning experts
HPV vaccine rates drop among children in deprived areas – here's what parents need to know
Fewer children in the UK’s most deprived areas are receiving the HPV vaccine – a simple, one-dose jab that protects against several types of cancer – and health experts are sounding the alarm.
New data from Public Health Scotland shows a 20% gap in HPV vaccine uptake between children in the UK’s wealthiest and most deprived areas. Among Year 8 pupils in the most affluent communities, 82.1% were vaccinated, but that drops to just 59.9% in the poorest areas.
The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is offered to all 12–13-year-olds across the UK. Since the programme began in 2008, it has been a major public health success, dramatically reducing cases of cervical cancer, and not a single case has been found in women who were fully vaccinated as girls.
While these figures are from Scotland, health professionals believe the trend reflects a nationwide issue, with rising post-pandemic health inequalities leaving many children at greater risk.
What does the HPV vaccine protect against?
HPV is a common virus that’s usually spread through sexual contact. While most people will get HPV at some point, some types can cause cancers of the cervix, throat, penis and anus. The vaccine is most effective when given before teenagers are exposed to the virus.
Originally offered to girls, the vaccine has been available to boys since 2019 and protects not just the individual child, but the wider community by stopping the spread.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Claire Cameron from Public Health Scotland said, “No cervical cancer cases have been detected in women who have been fully vaccinated.”
But she also warned: “Inequalities are increasing since the Covid pandemic... this virus can affect everybody and we want everybody to be vaccinated so they can be protected.”
Why are fewer kids getting vaccinated?
Experts say the reasons for falling uptake are complex and linked to both social and educational challenges post-Covid.
Dr Cameron told the BBC: “We think it’s maybe something to do with vaccine confidence not being as high as it has been. Maybe people’s engagement with healthcare has changed, but also we offer this vaccine in schools, and we know that there has been a change in how young people engage with education, and there are challenges there.”
Nationally, the average coverage has dipped slightly to 71.5%, but the gap between wealthier and poorer areas is what’s most concerning to health professionals.
School workshops help reduce fear and boost understanding
At Castlebrae High School in Edinburgh, researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s BioQuarter have been running science-based workshops to help students feel more confident about getting the jab – and it’s already making a difference.
Dom Cairns-Gibson, who leads the project, told the BBC: “We noticed there was quite a lack of knowledge on HPV and a lot of people conflated it with HIV, so they just didn’t necessarily know what it was, why they needed to get it.”
The sessions give kids the chance to ask questions, see how the virus works under a microscope, and learn how vaccines protect communities.
What parents should do next
If your child missed their HPV jab at school, it’s not too late to get them protected. You can speak to your school nurse or contact your local GP or NHS immunisation team to arrange a catch-up appointment.
The vaccine is offered as a single injection and is available to all children aged 12–13 in the UK. It's free, safe, and one of the most effective ways to protect your child against cancer in the future.
As Dr Cameron told the BBC, “This virus can affect everybody – and we want everybody to be vaccinated.”
Quick facts: The HPV vaccine for kids
- What is it? A vaccine that protects against the Human Papillomavirus, which can lead to several types of cancer.
- Who gets it? All Year 8 pupils in the UK – both boys and girls.
- Where is it given? Usually at school; catch-up clinics are available through the NHS.
- Why does it matter? It’s already helping to eliminate cervical cancer – and protects others, too.
- What if my child missed it? Contact your school nurse, GP or local NHS immunisation service.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.