Ministers have been told to “step-up” efforts to get more teenagers vaccinated against HPV as rates are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
The routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps to prevent most cervical cancers, is delivered in schools to year 8 and 9 pupils in roughly two doses about 12 months apart.
But health officials say the programme has been impacted by closures, pupil and staff absences, and Covid-19 and flu vaccination programmes.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also says there have been reduced consent rates and reports of vaccine hesitancy in some areas.
