The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls in year 8 for over ten years. From September 2019 the vaccine will also be offered to year 8 boys. This is because the evidence is clear that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.
Worldwide, about 5% of all cancers are linked to the HPV virus. This includes cervical, penile, anal and genital cancers and some cancers of the head and neck – all of which the vaccine helps to protect against.
Over 80 million people have received the vaccine worldwide.
In time, it is expected that the vaccine will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK. A recent Scottish study has already shown a 71% reduction in pre-cancerous cervical disease in young women.
Since the start of the vaccination programme in the UK, there has been a big decline in the number of young people with genital warts.
To find out more visit the gov.uk website.