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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Human Papillomavirus: Cervical Cancer

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve (a) HPV vaccination and (b) cervical screening rates.

Answer

While uptake rates in England remain high by international standards, in recent years adolescent vaccine coverage for the human papillomavirus (HPV) has fallen due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. National Health Service commissioned School Aged Immunisation Service providers have robust catch-up plans in place for the adolescent vaccination programme based on population need, to offer vaccination to those young people who may have missed out during the initial offer.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) publishes and provides a range of supporting materials to health professionals on both the 12 and 13 year old HPV offer, and the vaccine programme for those at higher risk. The UKHSA also works closely with charities and academics to develop resources that can be used to raise awareness of HPV and the importance of vaccination, including for boys.

NHS England has improved digital communications on vaccinations, including by expanding the NHS App, and has improved access to the HPV vaccine outside of schools through community clinics at convenient times and locations.

In March 2025, NHS England published the Cervical cancer elimination by 2040 – plan for England, setting out how the NHS will improve equitable uptake and coverage across HPV vaccination and cervical screening to meet the goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. Further information on the Cervical cancer elimination by 2040 – plan for England is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/cervical-cancer-elimination-by-2040-plan-for-england/

In June 2025, NHS England launched the cervical cancer elimination campaign and toolkit for stakeholders, to increase awareness of the elimination target by 2040, educate the public about HPV, and build confidence in the HPV vaccine and cervical screening.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
89304
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Cervical cancer Screening Vaccination Human papillomavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk