Cheshire health boss urges to take up HPV vaccine if offered

Dr Paula Cowan, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care and National Specialist Advisor for Gynaecology, is calling for increased HPV vaccine uptake in Cheshire and The North West to harness its life-saving potential and eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040.

Underlining the significance of the recent findings that cervical cancer deaths in young women have fallen to zero, Dr Cowan urged, "Now that the HPV vaccine has moved to just a single dose for under-25s, it’s easier than ever to get your children protected from a range of cancers. If you’re offered the HPV vaccine, please take it — it could save your life."

The HPV vaccination programme has seen substantial success across England since its introduction in 2008. Young people aged 11 to 13 receive the vaccine through NHS teams in schools, with it also available free up to age 25 to those who need it at GP practices.

Moving Forward

Despite the evident impact of the vaccine, HPV vaccination rates remain below WHO targets. NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink reiterates the vaccine's role alongside screening in regional health objectives: "Alongside cervical screening, HPV vaccination is central to the NHS ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040."

"Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you," Dr Cowan emphasized, encouraging community members to act on vaccination invitations.

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