English teens to receive just one dose of a cancer vaccine

Despite the English stereotype of teenagers across the country taking too far with alcoholic shots, recent evidence, announced today, suggests a single shot of the HPV vaccine is enough to provide significant protection against a range of cancers. 

Studies from across the globe suggest one does of the HPV vaccine, a jab that contains human papillomavirus – a very common group of viruses that are often spread through sexual contact – which can lead to cancer, is good enough to protect school pupils, aged between 11-13, from a range of cancers, including cervical cancer.

In November 2021, research found the HPV vaccine can reduce cases of cervical cancer – the most common cancer in women around the world, killing more than 300,000 each year, by almost 90%.

In addition to helping protect women from developing cervical cancer, the vaccine helps combat most anal cancers and some genital and head and neck cancers.

From September a single dose of the vaccine will be offered to all children in year eight at school, which covers children between the aged of 12-13 and eligible homosexual men under the age of 25.

However, two doses of the vaccine will be offered to homosexual men aged between 25-45 and three shots will be given to people who have Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or are immunosuppressed.

The UK Health Security Agency Immunisation Consultant Epidemiologist, DR Vanessa Saliba said: ‘The HPV-vaccination programme is one of the most successful in the world and has dramatically lowered the rates of cervical cancer and harmful infections in both women and men – preventing many cancers and saving lives.

‘The latest evidence shows that one dose provides protection as robust as two doses. This is excellent news for young people.

‘If you missed your HPV vaccine, it is vital you get protected. Contact your school nurse, school immunisation team or GP practice to arrange an appointment – you remain eligible to receive the vaccine until your 25th birthday.’

National Screening and Vaccinations Director, Steve Russell, said: ‘This is another step forward for our world-leading HPV vaccination programme, which saves lives by significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

‘With one quick HPV jab now making it simpler than ever to reduce your risk of cancers caused by the virus, it’s so important that people come forward when invited.

‘Along with getting your HPV vaccine, it is also still vital to book in for your cervical-screening appointment, which checks for high-risk HPV and remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.’

In addition to this news breaking in England, Wales have already announced it is moving to a one-dose schedule in September.

Image: Mufid Majnun