New study shows long-term effectiveness of HPV vaccine

An encouraging new study by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, confirms the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides strong and sustained protection against cervical disease that can develop into cancer.

Data from the study, published in International Journal of Cancer today, show that the HPV vaccine provides protection when administered to girls aged 18 years or less, with the greatest benefits seen in girls vaccinated at age 12-13.

Previous studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. This study using population health data, shows that the vaccine continues to be effective more than 12 years after it was given, in women who came forward for cervical screening.  

The research also shows women from Scotland’s most deprived areas benefited the most from vaccination, helping to reduce health inequalities.

HPV is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth-most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Scotland’s routine cervical cancer screening programme and the HPV immunisation programme, introduced in 2008, work together to both reduce the prevalence of HPV and the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer among women. 

The HPV vaccine is offered as a routine immunisation through schools to all S1 pupils in Scotland. It also helps to protect both boys and girls from genital warts and other HPV-related cancers that can develop later in life, such as some head and neck cancers, and other anogenital cancers.  

Dr Kirsty Roy, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland said:

“This study showcases both the effectiveness and impact of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical disease, especially as the strong community protection demonstrated by the data may also be contributing to reductions in cervical disease among women in more deprived areas where vaccine uptake is lower.

“Vaccination against HPV is effective in preventing cervical cancer and, along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.

“I would encourage all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine when it’s offered to protect themselves against future risks. PHS is working closely with Scottish Government and local health boards to ensure the continued uptake of the key cervical cancer prevention measures – the HPV vaccine and routine cervical screening.” 

Dr Tim Palmer, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Clinical Lead for Cervical Screening (rtd), said:

“This study shows conclusively that the HPV vaccine prevents the changes that can develop into cancer. It also emphasises the need for continued high uptake of the vaccine in schools as vaccination at older ages is much less effective. Screening is still important to prevent disease caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine.”

Read the full study, Sustained impact of bivalent HPV immunisation on CIN incidence over two rounds of cervical screening 

More information about the HPV vaccine, and when and where to get it is available on NHS Inform  

More information on Cervical Screening can be found on Cervical screening (smear test) in Scotland | NHS inform