Rural schools help to boost Devon HPV uptake with in-school vaccine service

Young people in Devon, including those living in Dartmoor communities, are being urged to take up the HPV vaccine after new figures showed thousands across the South West still leave school unprotected.

Latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the South West is performing above the national average for HPV vaccination uptake.

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In Devon, Year 10 coverage reached 78.1 per cent for girls and 72.8 per cent for boys. 

This compares to the England average of 75.5 per cent for girls and 70.5 per cent for boys.

By Year 8, Devon is broadly in line with the national picture, with 71.8 per cent of girls and 66.3 per cent of boys vaccinated.

Health leaders say the school-based vaccination programme is helping rural areas, including communities across Dartmoor, tackle problems linked to distance and transport.

NHS Devon said all children are offered the HPV vaccine in school from Year 8 onwards. 

The Devon School Aged Immunisation Team schedules visits with every secondary school and returns several times a year.

Where uptake is lower, the team supports schools with assemblies and attends parent evenings to answer questions. 

Community catch-up clinics are also held across the county for young people who miss their school vaccination, including those who are home educated.

An NHS Devon spokesperson told The Moorlander that the comprehensive school offer “helps overcome some of the potential transport issues faced by rural communities.”

Dr Alex Degan, a Devon GP, said improving catch-up rates remains important.

He said: “The HPV vaccine is extremely effective in helping to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in boys and girls.

“Most types of HPV are harmless, some are linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including cancer of the cervix, mouth, anus, penis, vulva and vagina, and genital warts.

“While uptake rates are good among children offered the vaccine in school Year 8, we need to ensure more young people ‘catch up’ if they miss the original offer, for any reason.

“So, we urge young people to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered.”

The HPV vaccine is now given as a single dose, with research showing having the vaccine before the age of 16 provides a stronger immune response and greater protection.

For young people who miss the vaccine at school, it remains available free of charge through GP practices until their 25th birthday.

Parents in Devon who want to discuss their child’s HPV vaccination can contact the School Aged Immunisation Team on 01392 342678.