Teenagers in England will be offered one HPV vaccine instead of two from September, in line with the latest evidence and recommendations already in place in Scotland.
Studies from around the world show that one dose is enough to provide good protection against a number of cancers, including cervical cancer.
School students are offered the vaccine when they are around 11-13 years old.
HPV is a common virus that is usually spread through intimate sexual contact.
It is highly contagious, spreading through close skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV (human papillomavirus), and infections usually cause no symptoms – although some types can cause warts on the hands, feet, genitals or inside the mouth.
Most people’s bodies get rid of the virus without treatment – but high-risk types can cause abnormal tissue growth that can lead to cancer.
Those against which the vaccine protects causes:
- almost all cases of cervical cancer
- most anal cancers
- certain types of genital and head and neck cancers
From September in England, a single dose will be available at:
- all children at the age of 8 – 12-13 years
- eligible men who have sex with men under the age of 25
Two doses will still be offered to:
- men who have sex with men aged 25-45
Three doses will be offered to:
- people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or are immunosuppressed
UK Health Security Agency immunization consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba said: “The HPV vaccination program is one of the most successful in the world and has dramatically reduced rates of cervical cancer and harmful infections both in women as well as in men – it prevents many types of cancer and saves lives.
“Recent evidence shows that one dose provides protection as robust as two doses. This is excellent news for young people.
“If you’ve missed the HPV vaccine, it’s vital to protect yourself. Contact your school nurse, school immunization team or GP to make an appointment – you remain eligible to receive the vaccine until your 25th birthday.’
Director of National Screening and Vaccinations Steve Russell said: “This is another step forward for our world-leading HPV vaccination programme, which is saving lives by significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
“With a quick shot of HPV, it’s now easier than ever to reduce the risk of cancer caused by the virus, so it’s important that people respond when invited.
“Along with getting the HPV vaccine, it’s still vital to make an appointment for cervical screening, which checks for high-risk HPV and remains one of the best ways to protect against cervical cancer.”