Petition to improve HPV Vaccine Uptake

Call for National Action to Improve HPV Vaccine Uptake and Protect Against Cancer

Why this HPV petition matters

Our CEO, Tamara Kahn, has started a UK Government petition urging the UK Government, Public Health England, and the Department of Education to take immediate and coordinated action to increase HPV vaccine uptake and reduce preventable cancers caused by HPV.

Major opportunity to prevent cancers

There is a growing crisis of HPV-linked cancers in the UK, but we have a major opportunity to prevent them. Public Health England has stated that the HPV vaccine could prevent over 100,000 cancers by 2058. Yet the UK’s HPV vaccine uptake lags shockingly behind other countries – just 56% for girls and 50% for boys, compared to 80% uptake in other countries (e.g., Denmark). This represents a critical missed opportunity to protect future generations.

Confusion and stigma around the HPV vaccine have contributed to these low uptake rates. The vaccine is often framed narrowly as just preventing cervical cancer or associated with sexual activity in a way that alienates many. In reality, the HPV vaccine is a powerful cancer prevention tool that can protect against a range of cancers – including cervical, head and neck, and other anogenital HPV-related cancers. These are choices today that will influence the health and futures of the next generation.

We call on the Government to:

1.    Implement a National Communications Campaign

1. Develop and fund a coordinated campaign to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine as a cancer prevention tool, aimed at both parents and young people.
2. Eliminate outdated, gendered messaging and stigma surrounding the vaccine.

2.    Introduce HPV Education into the Curriculum

1. Integrate HPV and cancer prevention education into PSHE lessons from Year 6 onwards to empower young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

3.    Improve Access to the Vaccine

1. Ensure equitable access to the HPV vaccine through additional vaccination points such as pharmacies and community health centres.
2. Pilot catch-up campaigns for older teens and young adults who missed vaccination opportunities.
3. Streamline GP Processes: Simplify the process for GPs to special-order the HPV vaccine to reduce barriers for patients and providers.
4. Second Invitation: Introduce a second official vaccine invitation for young adults to encourage uptake.

4.    Address Health Inequalities

1. Develop and distribute easy-read, multilingual materials to support vaccine education in diverse communities.
2. Tailor outreach efforts to address cultural, religious, and socio-economic barriers.

5.    Raise Awareness of Oral Cancer Screenings

1. Educate healthcare professionals about the role of dentists in oral cancer screenings.
2. Fund government-led campaigns to increase public knowledge of routine dental screenings for early detection of oral cancers.

By signing this petition, we call on the Government to prioritise action and protect the health of future generations through equitable access to the HPV vaccine and improved awareness of cancer prevention.