UKHSA 'saving lives' health alert for women aged under 25

UKHSA 'saving lives' health alert for women aged under 25 New figures show there were no deaths in women aged 20-24 from one for of cancer Women aged under 25 are being encouraged to come forward after groundbreaking new research revealed that a key NHS programme is already saving lives. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the reminder on X following what it described as "encouraging" evidence demonstrating the vaccine's remarkable impact on cervical cancer deaths amongst young women. In a social media post, UKHSA said: "It's encouraging to see news highlighting how the HPV vaccine is saving young women's lives. If you have not yet taken up the offer and you are a woman under 25, you can still get the HPV vaccine for free through the NHS." The warning comes after a landmark study published this week in The Lancet, which found that girls vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at the age of 12 or 13 now face an almost zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30. Researchers estimate that nearly 200 deaths have already been prevented in England since the vaccination programme launched in 2008. The results mark the first time scientists have been able to prove a direct impact on mortality from the vaccine programme. Between 2020 and 2024, no women aged 20 to 24 died from cervical cancer in England — a historic first. Professor Peter Sasieni, lead author of the study from Queen Mary University of London, said: "We estimate that since its introduction, HPV vaccination has prevented nearly 200 young women from dying from cervical cancer in England." The HPV vaccine guards against the human papillomavirus, a widespread infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity. While numerous HPV infections are harmless, particular strains cause nearly all cervical cancer cases and are additionally associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, anus, penis, vulva and vagina. Through the NHS vaccination programme, the jab is routinely provided to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 in school Year 8. Nevertheless, young people who missed their vaccination continue to be eligible for a free catch-up dose until their 25th birthday. According to NHS guidance, women and girls aged 24 and under who missed the vaccine at school can organise a catch-up jab through their GP surgery, school vaccination team or school nurse. Boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed vaccination are likewise eligible until age 25. The NHS states most people under 25 now need only a single dose. Health officials are worried that uptake stays below target. Government figures released earlier this year revealed approximately one in four young people are finishing school without HPV protection. National vaccination rates remain beneath the World Health Organisation's target of 90% coverage by age 15. Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccination, said earlier this year: "The HPV vaccine can save lives and prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers, so it's worrying that a quarter of young people are missing out on this vital protection against a range of cancers, including head and neck cancer." The vaccine's remarkable achievements have raised hopes that cervical cancer could ultimately become uncommon in Britain. Cancer Research UK's chief executive Michelle Mitchell said the latest findings demonstrated for the first time that the vaccine was not only preventing cancer but "saving lives". She added that "thanks to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, a future where almost nobody gets cervical cancer is now firmly in sight". Despite this landmark development, health experts are urging women to continue attending cervical screening appointments when invited, as the vaccine does not protect against every cancer-causing strain of HPV.