Response to the annual HPV vaccine coverage 2015 to 2016 by Public Health England

Following the release of annual statistics showing coverage of the HPV vaccination by Public Health England, Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "It's positive to see that uptake for the completion of the two dose HPV vaccine is at 85.1% in England.Our research has demonstrated that if uptake remains at 80% year on year we could see a two thirds reduction in cervical cancer incidence in women under 30 by 2025.

"However, it is disappointing to see there has been a 2.4% drop in the number of Year 8 girls taking up their very first dose of the vaccine and completion of the two dose vaccination course has fallen slightly to 85.1%. In 2013/14 when the vaccination was a three dose course, the percentage of girls completing the course was 86.7%. However, it is encouraging to see that several areas have planned catch-up activities for 2016/17 which will provide opportunities for girls to join or complete the programme, thus increase coverage. We also want to ensure that every girl, whether they have received the vaccination or not, understands that they still need to attend cervical screening when invited to further reduce their risk of cervical cancer."