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NHS Kent and Medway is urging young people to come forward for their HPV vaccine to boost their protection against some types of cancer.

In Kent and Medway, 79 per cent of girls and 74 per cent of boys in school year 8 were vaccinated in 2023/24.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It's offered to all children aged 12 to 13 (school year eight) via the school-aged immunisation service. 

HPV increases the risk of developing some cancers later in life, such as cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anus and genital areas.

The national immunisation programme was rolled out over a decade ago and has led to a reduction in HPV infections, genital warts, pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer among vaccinated people.

If you missed getting vaccinated when you were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available for free on the NHS for:

• all girls under 25
• boys born after 1 September 2006.

Dr Kate Langford, chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Getting your vaccine is a safe and simple way to protect yourself against HPV-related cancers.  

“I would urge young adults up to age 25 who missed the vaccine offer in school to book an appointment to get their vaccine.”

Contact your GP practice if you or your child were eligible for the HPV vaccine but did not get vaccinated.

Find details about catch-up community vaccine clinics run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.

For more information, visit www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk