Under-25s urged to get protected against HPV at vaccine sessions in March
Following on from International HPV Awareness Day on 4th March, a senior local doctor has urged young people to come forward and get protected.
It’s never too late to get the vaccinations you’re entitled to.
The HPV vaccine – which protects against a common virus which causes cervical cancer and is also linked to other cancers and infections – is usually given when children are in year 8 at school (around the age of 12 or 13), but those who missed their vaccination can receive it up to the age of 25.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, as well as many other types of cancer in both women and men. A single dose of the vaccine protects individuals against HPV for the rest of their life. HPV is very common and is usually spread through skin contact.
If you missed your vaccination when you were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available free on the NHS if you are aged 24 or under and meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
In addition, men who have sex with men are at higher risk and are also eligible to receive the vaccine, up to and including the age of 45.
Catch-up clinics are being held from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the following places in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes:
Saturday 21 March
- Central Family Hub, Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton, LU1 2NG
- Enterprise House, Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR
- Wootton Community Hall, Harris Way, Bedford, MK43 9FZ
- Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Ave, Milton Keynes, MK14 5PY
Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“I’d encourage anyone who has missed the HPV vaccine in year 8 to take up the offer of a vaccine now. It’s never too late to get the protection you need.
