HPV vaccine campaign reaches more than 435,000 views as NHS urges young people to catch up
A current campaign encouraging young adults across Surrey and Sussex to catch up on their HPV vaccination has been viewed more than 435,000 times in its first month, as the NHS continues its drive to help protect young people against several types of cancer.
The TikTok campaign forms part of an eight-week approach coordinated by Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA) and NHS Surrey and Sussex aimed at young people who may have missed their HPV vaccination.
Universities across Surrey and Sussex have also received flyers highlighting the importance of HPV vaccination and encouraging eligible students to check whether they have received theirs.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common infection that can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal, mouth and throat cancers. The NHS HPV vaccination programme forms part of the national ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The campaign follows the success of last year's initiative, when digital content generated more than 3.3 million views across Snapchat and TikTok. Further to this, GP vaccination activity at practices serving targeted universities increased by 117% compared with the same period in the previous year.
Dr Alex Norman, co-medical director of the cancer alliance, said:
"It is fantastic to see so many people engaging with this campaign. More than 435,000 views in just a month means we are getting this important cancer-prevention message to a wide audience.
"The HPV vaccine offers important protection against a number of cancers, and we particularly want to reach young people who may have missed their vaccination when they were at school.
"Our message is simple: if you missed your vaccination, it isn't too late to catch up. Check your vaccination status and take the opportunity to protect your future health."
Children and young people who miss their HPV vaccination at school can catch up through their school vaccination service (if they are of school-age) or with their GP practice. They remain eligible for the vaccine until they turn 25. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men can have the vaccine up to and including 45 years of age from specialist sexual health services.
Healthcare professionals can find further information about HPV vaccination and download campaign materials, including posters, from the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance website.