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Healthy Surrey

Changes to the HPV vaccine programme

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced changes to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine programme

These are outlined in the bipartite letter from UKHSA and NHS England, and will come into effect from 1 September 2023.

From 1 September 2023, the HPV vaccine programme will change from a two dose to a one dose HPV vaccine schedule for eligible adolescents and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) aged less than 25 years. This is because the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a one dose HPV vaccine schedule has shown to be just as effective as two doses at providing protection from HPV infection. For GBMSM aged 25 to 45 years, they are recommended to remain on two doses.

This letter is aimed at health professionals who are responsible for commissioning and operationally delivering the NHS HPV vaccination programme through school aged immunisation services (SAIS), sexual health services, and general practice.

The letter provides further details and links to the supporting programme guidance and materials for health professionals who are responsible for commissioning and operationally delivering the programme.

UKHSA have also produced a communications toolkit which includes details about the changes, common questions, social media assets and suggested social media copy. In the lead up to the changes coming into effect on 1 September, UKHSA are encouraging the sharing of the key messages and assets via channels and newsletters to educate the public about HPV and encourage those that have not had their vaccine yet to come forward.