Barnet among lowest HPV vaccine uptake rates in London (From Times Series)

Barnet among lowest HPV vaccine uptake rates in London, says Health Protection Agency

12:35pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Chris Hewett

Not enough girls in Barnet are signing up for a potentially life-saving vaccine, according to a health charity.

The borough is currently among five in the capital that falls 20 to 30 per cent below the national average for uptake of HPV injections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes a number of cancers and conditions in both men and women, including cervical cancer which kills around 18 women every week in the UK.

Girls below the age of 17 are offered the vaccine free on the NHS and many vaccinations are administered through schools.

Health Protection Agency figures show 84 per cent of girls aged 12 and 13 are receiving the vaccine nationally, but this number drops to 76 per cent in London.

In Barnet, it falls as low as 54 per cent and the department is urging young girls to sign up for the vaccine through their school or local NHS service.

For more information, visit www.123againsthpv.co.uk