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, NHS England, the Department of Health & Social Care, and the Department of Education to take immediate and coordinated action to increase HPV vaccine uptake and reduce preventable cancers caused by HPV. 

This petition aligns with the NHS 10-Year Plan’s commitment to increase HPV vaccination uptake and eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. 

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. The Department of Health & Social Care 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. 

The economic case is clear: preventing cancer through vaccination is far more cost-effective than treating it. This prevention-first approach directly supports the NHS 10-Year Plan’s 2% annual productivity target. 

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

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

Eliminate outdated, gendered messaging and stigma surrounding the vaccine

Create digital education materials specifically designed for young people

2. Introduce HPV Education into the Curriculum

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

Ensure equitable access to the HPV vaccine through additional vaccination points such as pharmacies, community health centres, and the new Neighbourhood Health Centres outlined in the NHS 10-Year Plan

Enable digital booking through the NHS App, supporting the Plan’s vision of digital-first healthcare

Pilot catch-up campaigns for older teens and young adults who missed vaccination opportunities

Streamline GP Processes: Simplify the process for GPs to special-order the HPV vaccine to reduce barriers for patients and providers

Second Invitation: Introduce a second official vaccine invitation for young adults to encourage uptake

Implement NHS App reminders for vaccine appointments and follow-ups

4. Address Health Inequalities

Support the NHS 10-Year Plan’s goal to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions

Prioritise vaccine access in areas of highest deprivation, as outlined in the 10-Year Plan

Develop and distribute easy-read, multilingual materials to support vaccine education in diverse communities

Tailor outreach efforts to address cultural, religious, and socio-economic barriers

5. Raise Awareness of Oral Cancer Screenings

Educate healthcare professionals about the role of dentists in oral cancer screenings

Fund government-led campaigns to increase public knowledge of routine dental screenings for early detection of oral cancers

Provide training for healthcare professionals on effective HPV conversations, supporting the Plan’s workforce development goals

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.