Pupils encouraged to take up HPV vaccine

S1 PUPILS across Dumfries and Galloway are being encouraged to get the HPV vaccine as uptake remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has today published its latest annual human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation report, which shows that uptake remains lower than rates seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. HPV is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. According to the report, HPV vaccination uptake has gradually declined over the past 10 years. In Dumfries and Galloway a total of 1138 (69.5 per cent) all S1 pupils in the region received their first vaccination in 2022–2023. The downward trend continued in 2023-2024 when only 933 S1's out of 1513 (61.7 per cent) received their first dose. With vaccine consent forms starting to be sent home and vaccinations taking place early in 2026, PHS is encouraging all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine to protect themselves against future risks. Dr Claire Cameron, consultant in health protection at PHS said: “By continuing to vaccinate, and encouraging uptake of screening, elimination of HPV-related cancers will be possible in the future. I encourage all parents and carers of S1 pupils to chat to their children about the free vaccines offered, before signing and returning consent forms to school by the deadline. “It’s so important for young people to take up the vaccine offer before being exposed to the HPV virus. We’re keen to encourage everyone to take up offer of vaccination and protect themselves against future risks.”