We received a petition asking:

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ensure the NHS subsidise the HPV vaccination for women over the age of 18.”

Details of Petition:

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and accounts for 250,000 deaths annually. The new HPV vaccine protects against the most common cervical cancer-causing subtypes, 16 and 18, which are responsible for 75% of all cervical cancer cases. At present, the vaccine is only available on the NHS for women under 18 years of age. Women over this age have only one option to receive the vaccine- by paying for it privately. This costs a total of £450. This is a cost that many cannot afford and is leaving them at risk from contracting the cancer-causing strains of HPV. By signing this petition you are agreeing that the NHS should be subsidising this important vaccination programme for women over 18 years of age and that the Government should take note and make a change.”

· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage

Read the Government’s response

The Government’s aim for the national immunisation programme is to reduce and eliminate illness and deaths caused by preventable infectious disease.  The programme now includes a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) which protects against cervical cancer.  This could save the lives of up to 400 women each year.
 
The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to 12 to 13 year old girls, and a catch-up campaign is currently offering the vaccine to young women up to 18 years of age.  The vaccination programme for these age groups has been demonstrated to be a cost effective use of health resources.  The cervical cancer screening programme has played a major role in reducing cervical cancer rates, and young women are strongly encouraged to take up the offer of screening when invited.

The ages of girls and young women eligible for HPV vaccination follow the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The HPV vaccine is best given before the start of sexual activity.  The vaccine offers protection against infection - it does not offer a cure.  The JCVI considered evidence showing that the proportion of females who have been infected by HPV increases rapidly from age 14 to around age 24.

The HPV vaccines are available on private prescription for women who are not eligible for vaccination on the NHS.  It is long-standing policy to have a clear separation between private and NHS care, and accordingly there are no provisions to subsidise the cost of private prescriptions.

The JCVI statement on the HPV vaccination can be found on the Department of Health’s website by going to www.dh.gov.uk, typing ‘JCVI Statements, advice and recommendations’ into the search bar and following the links.  Further information about the HPV vaccine can be found at www.immunisation.nhs.uk