The NHS is offering the HPV vaccination to all young people in Gloucestershire from Year 8 (12-13 years) to age 25 who have not already received it.
The vaccine, first introduced in 2008, helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common virus which is usually harmless but is also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. These include cervical, mouth and throat (head and neck) cancer, anal and genital cancers which can affect both boys and girls, as well as harmful infections, such as genital warts.
Now, vaccination teams across the county are working together to ensure anyone eligible for the HPV vaccine up to the age of 25 has an opportunity to catch up with their jab.
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust’s (GHC) School Aged Immunisation team is currently delivering the HPV programme in schools to all pupils, boys and girls, in Year 8, and those in Years 9, 10, and 11 that have not previously taken up the offer.
At the same time, the GHC Outreach Vaccination and Health team is offering the HPV vaccination, as well as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and MenACWY (meningitis and septicaemia), to students aged 16 to 18 who have not previously received them.
Vaccination teams are also being hosted by many GP surgeries in the next two months to offer the vaccine to anyone aged 16-24, in addition to visiting colleges and places of further education to have conversations with students about the vaccination and offer it to those who need it.
How to access an HPV vaccine
- Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 – your child will receive an invite from the School Aged Immunisation Service.
- Aged 16 to 24 – you will receive an invite from your GP practice or, if you attend one of the colleges below, you can drop in for a chat with one of the team
Drop-ins at colleges and places of further education
- Hartpury University and College
- Thursday 27 February, 10am-2pm: An opportunity for students to discuss and receive advice about the HPV vaccination.
- Thursday 6 March, 10am-2pm: The immunisation team will be offering the HPV vaccination to all students aged 16-24 who wish to receive it.
- South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
- Tuesday 4 March, 9.30am-12pm: An opportunity for students to discuss and receive advice about the HPV vaccination.
- Tuesday 11 March, 9.30am-12pm: The immunisation team will be offering the HPV vaccination to all students aged 16-24 who wish to receive it.
Further sessions are planned, details of which will be publicised in due course.
Half-term community clinics for Year 8 pupils
Year 8 pupils who do not wish to have their HPV vaccination in school, have missed it due to absence, are home schooled or not in mainstream education, can receive the vaccine at one of the county’s community clinics, which will be running throughout the February half-term (17-21 February).
The team will also be offering DTP and MenACWY vaccinations to students in Years 10 and 11 who have not previously received them.
All clinics run between 9.30am and 2.30pm and are by appointment only.
If your child is unable to attend the half-term clinics, please contact the School Aged Immunisation team, who will endeavour to make alternative arrangements.
Parents and guardians who are unsure whether their children are up to date with their HPV, DTP and MenACWY vaccinations are encouraged to contact the immunisation team by calling 0300 421 8140. They will check your child’s records and offer them catch-up vaccinations if needed.
For further information and dates of the half-term community clinics visit: HPV and school-based vaccination community clinics > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
