Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Sep 24: The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance has urged more young people aged 18 to 25 to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of efforts to prevent HPV-related cancers.

The campaign is aimed particularly at young adults who missed the opportunity to receive the vaccine during their school years, including those whose vaccinations were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The alliance said around two-thirds of eligible children across Surrey and Sussex have received the HPV vaccine, although uptake remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Dr Alex Norman, co-medical director of the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, described the HPV vaccine as one of the most effective cancer prevention measures available through the NHS.

“We know some young people missed opportunities to be vaccinated during their school years, including during the pandemic,” he said.

He added that last year's campaign resulted in a significant increase in vaccination activity in university communities and said the alliance wanted to build on that progress.

HPV refers to a group of more than 100 viruses. While many types cause no health problems, some can lead to cancers including cervical cancer and cancers of the mouth and throat. The virus is commonly spread through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.

Girls in the UK began being offered the HPV vaccine through schools in 2008, while boys were included in the routine programme from 2019.

Research released earlier this year found that children vaccinated against HPV at the age of 12 or 13 had a very low risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30.

During the 2025 campaign, vaccination activity at GP clinics serving universities in the region increased by 117% compared with 2024, according to the cancer alliance.

Young people seeking the vaccine have been advised to contact their GP practice. Posters and flyers promoting the campaign were also distributed at four universities across Surrey and Sussex.

Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy chief medical officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said vaccination provided an opportunity to prevent cancer before it developed and stressed the importance of ensuring young people understood their eligibility and the benefits of HPV vaccination.

The NHS has set a goal of eliminating HPV-related cervical cancer in England by 2040.