NHS urges university students to get HPV vaccine
Students across Surrey and Sussex are being encouraged to check their HPV vaccination status as a successful NHS campaign returns this autumn to help prevent future cancers.
The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, working with NHS partners, is relaunching a campaign targeting university students who may have missed their HPV vaccination at school.
HPV (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 is a key part of the ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
Two-thirds of eligible school age children across Surrey and Sussex have received their HPV vaccination in the last 12 months. However, the uptake of the HPV vaccine has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. This campaign aims to encourage those who missed their vaccination, particularly during the pandemic, to take it up.
It follows encouraging results from a similar initiative delivered across Surrey and Sussex last year.
During the 2025 campaign:
- GP vaccination activity at practices serving targeted universities increased by 117% compared with the same period the previous year.
- Digital campaign content generated more than 3.3 million views across Snapchat and TikTok.
- More than 400 posters and 10,000 flyers were distributed across four local universities.
- A dedicated toolkit for healthcare professionals was downloaded more than 660 times.
The renewed campaign coincides with the start of the academic year and aims to reach young adults aged 18 to 25 who remain eligible for a free catch-up vaccination if they missed it at school.
Alex Norman, co-medical director at Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, and a GP in Surrey, said:
"The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective cancer prevention interventions available through the NHS. It protects against the types of HPV responsible for most cervical cancers and a number of other cancers.
"We know some young people missed opportunities to be vaccinated during their school years, including during the pandemic. The good news is that it is not too late. If you are eligible, a single vaccination can offer long-lasting protection and significantly reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers in the future.
"The results from last year's campaign were extremely encouraging, with a significant increase in vaccination activity in university communities. We want to build on that success and help even more young people protect their future health."
Dr Amy Dissanayake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said:
"Every vaccination represents an opportunity to prevent cancer before it develops. We are pleased to work with partners across Surrey and Sussex to promote uptake of the HPV vaccine and ensure young people understand both their eligibility and the benefits of vaccination.
"Anyone who thinks they may have missed their HPV vaccine should contact their GP practice or local sexual health service for advice."