Anti-cancer vaccine uptake lagging in Scotland’s poorest areas

Anti-cancer vaccine uptake lagging in Scotland’s poorest areas
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Doctors in Scotland have raised concerns over a decline in the uptake of the HPV vaccine among young people, particularly in deprived communities. Public Health Scotland (PHS) reported that vaccine coverage is nearly 20% lower in the most disadvantaged areas compared to the most affluent, sparking fears of growing health inequalities.

The HPV vaccine, introduced in Scotland in 2008 for girls and extended to boys in 2019, is offered to pupils aged 12 and 13. It protects against Human papillomaviruses, which can lead to cervical, anal, and other cancers. Fully vaccinated individuals have shown no recorded cases of cervical cancer to date.

Recent PHS data shows that HPV vaccination coverage among first-year secondary students was 71.5% last year, with uptake among girls higher than boys. In affluent areas, the rate reached 82.1%, compared to just 59.9% in deprived communities.

Dr Claire Cameron of PHS attributed the drop to declining vaccine confidence, changes in school attendance, and shifting engagement with healthcare since the COVID-19 pandemic. Education efforts, including school-based workshops, have shown promise in boosting awareness and vaccine confidence among students.