Latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) data indicate that human papillomavirus (HPV)16 and 18 infections have reached very low levels in young sexually active women in England because of high vaccination coverage.
Data show that between 2014 and 2018, HPV16 and 18 infections associated with cervical cancer were found in
This marked reduction in HPV infection rates can be attributed to the successful uptake of the HPV vaccination programme introduced in 2008. According to the latest estimates, >80 per cent of women aged 15-24 years in England are currently protected through immunisation.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at PHE, said: "With millions of young women protected by HPV vaccination, we expect to see big reductions in cervical cancer in years to come and the introduction of the boys’ programme will accelerate this progress."