Devon HPV Vaccine uptake outperforms national average – yet thousands still miss out

Hundreds of Exeter teenagers are among the thousands across Devon leaving school without protection against HPV, despite the county continuing to record higher HPV vaccination rates than the national average.

New figures published by the UK Health Security Agency show that uptake of the HPV vaccine among Year 10 pupils in Devon stands at 78.1 per cent for girls and 72.8 per cent for boys. 

That is slightly above the England average of 75.5 per cent and 70.5 per cent respectively.

However, health leaders warn that coverage remains well below pre-pandemic levels of around 90 per cent, and that too many teenagers in Exeter and across the county are still missing out.

Across the South West as a whole, around 55,595 eligible young people are estimated to be unvaccinated – roughly one in four. 

The region performs better than most parts of England, but experts say the numbers are still a concern.

In Devon, HPV vaccinations are delivered in schools to Year 8 pupils, with catch-up clinics offered to older year groups and through GP surgeries. Local health teams say they have worked hard to rebuild the programme since Covid disrupted school-based immunisations.

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Steve Brown, Devon County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, urged parents in Exeter to take up the offer when it is made.

“The HPV vaccine has a strong and growing evidence base showing it is a safe and highly effective way to protect both boys and girls against several HPV-related cancers in the future,” he said.

“When your child is offered the HPV vaccine through their school or a local clinic in the coming months, please make sure you respond to provide consent.”

“Taking up this offer is one of the simplest and most powerful steps you can take to protect your child’s long-term health.”

Although data is published at county level rather than by individual city, Exeter schools fall within the Devon figures, where Year 8 uptake currently sits at 71.8 per cent for girls and 66.3 per cent for boys.

By Year 10, uptake improves to 78.1 per cent for girls and 72.8 per cent for boys, suggesting that catch-up clinics are helping many pupils receive the vaccine later in secondary school.

The Devon School Aged Immunisation Team runs vaccination sessions in every secondary school, including those in Exeter, and provides additional community clinics for young people who miss their original appointment or are home educated.

Parents in Exeter can also contact the team directly on 01392 342678 to arrange catch-up appointments.

For young people who have left school, the vaccine remains free until the age of 25 and can be obtained through GP practices or sexual health clinics.

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said the message to families is simple.

“The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-preventing vaccines available. Just a single dose, given in school, protects against cervical cancer and several other cancers caused by HPV that affect both boys and girls,” he said.

“While uptake has remained stable, vaccination rates are still well below pre-pandemic levels and around one in four young people in the South West are still leaving school unprotected.”

Across the wider South West region, Year 10 coverage stands at 78.0 per cent for girls and 73.8 per cent for boys – both higher than the national figures.

Somerset has the highest uptake in the region, with 84.9 per cent of Year 10 girls vaccinated, while Bristol records the lowest figures.

Devon sits close to the regional average, performing better than England overall but still short of historic levels.

Health officials say uptake among boys has steadily improved since they became eligible for the vaccine, but still lags behind girls.

“Uptake in girls has not quite yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is a similar pattern we are seeing with all vaccinations,” a Devon County Council spokesperson said.

HPV is a very common virus spread through close contact. In most people it causes no problems, but persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and penis.

Research shows that receiving the vaccine before the age of 16 gives the strongest protection.

Dr Matthew Dominey, Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “HPV vaccination is helping us to achieve our goals of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.

“Even if you have missed your HPV vaccination at school, there is still time to catch up before your 25th birthday – speak with your GP to find out how.”

Health leaders are also reminding Exeter residents that vaccination does not replace cervical screening. Women who have been vaccinated should still attend regular smear tests when invited.

Where to get catch-up jabs in Exeter

• Pupils who miss school sessions can attend community clinics run by the Devon School Immunisation Team
• Parents can call 01392 342678 for advice and to rebook appointments
• Young people under 25 can receive the vaccine for free through their GP
• Colleges in Devon have hosted additional clinics, and jabs are also offered opportunistically through sexual health services

With thousands of young people still unprotected, public health teams say improving take-up in Exeter remains a priority.

As Mr Brown added: “Fewer young people vaccinated today means more people at risk of preventable cancers in the future. We want every family in Exeter to have the information they need to make the right choice.”