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HPV Vaccinations
19 July 2023
Lead MP
Paul Beresford
Mole Valley
Con
Responding Minister
Maria Caulfield
Tags
Education
Word Count: 2929
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Paul Beresford raised concerns about hpv vaccinations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Government to adopt a vigorous campaign using modern technology, such as constant reminders via mobile phones, to increase HPV vaccination rates among teenagers. Additionally, I call for more targeted messaging on the prevention of death and disfiguration from cancer rather than focusing solely on cervical cancer.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the low uptake of HPV vaccinations among teenage boys and girls in the UK. In 2021-22, only 9.8% of year 8 boys were fully vaccinated, while the figure for girls was 67.3%. This is far below the target of 90% needed to achieve herd immunity. The vaccine has been successful in preventing cervical cancer but needs wider promotion to address head and neck cancers as well.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I thank Paul Beresford for securing this debate and express concern that parents with a medical background are unsure why only one dose of the HPV vaccine is now needed. They question if it will be sufficient to protect against cancer, especially when additional doses were seen as necessary during the covid vaccination programme. Welcomes the Minister's response and asks for an email with information regarding evidence availability.
Government Response
Maria Caulfield
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this important issue to the Chamber. The UK was one of the first countries to introduce an HPV vaccination programme in 2008 and has seen an 87% reduction in cervical cancers among vaccinated women compared with previous generations. Since then, millions of vaccines have been delivered, stopping transmission, protecting individuals and saving lives. Pre-pandemic levels of vaccination were consistently high across the board; however, uptake rates are currently lower due to the pandemic's disruption. The minister aims to recover these rates back to pre-pandemic levels by focusing on catch-up work for those who missed their vaccinations during the pandemic. Two doses of HPV vaccine provide protection that lasts at least 12 years, and from September 2023, a single dose will be sufficient. This move is based on scientific review and advice from independent experts, including the JCVI, WHO, and SAGE. The minister commits to meeting with her counterpart in the Department for Education to support schools in making the vaccination rollout more effective and to discuss better communication about the importance of HPV vaccinations.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.