Highland MSP Maree Todd calls for parents and young people to accept HPV vaccine amid drop in uptake across north
Highland MSP Maree Todd is calling on parents and young people to accept the offer of an HPV vaccine, in the wake of statistics revealing that the far north has fallen behind in uptake statistics.
In 2023/24, HPV immunisation uptake among S1 pupils in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross was 61.9 per cent — nearly 10 per cent below the Scottish national average.
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The Highland-wide average was slightly higher, at 63.4 per cent.
A 2024 study by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh, found that since the HPV vaccination programme began in 2008, no cases of cervical cancer have been recorded in women fully vaccinated at ages 12–13.
Despite this success, the report also highlights a gradual decline in vaccination rates among S1 pupils over the past decade.
MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Maree Todd said: “Scotland is on the cusp of eliminating cervical cancer — a major public health milestone — and the HPV immunisation programme plays a vital role in making this possible. By protecting young people early, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers later in life.
“The data shows just how effective the programme has been, but uptake is still falling — particularly in Highland and in my own constituency, where rates are below the national average.
“I would encourage all parents and eligible young people to accept the vaccination offer. Getting your child vaccinated is the most effective way to protect them from HPV-related cancers and help eliminate cervical cancer once and for all.”
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). NHS Scotland say it is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
The vaccine reduces chances of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact.
Some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical, mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer.
HPV can also cause genital warts.
Additional efforts to eliminate cervical cancer have included the formation of a Cervical Cancer Elimination Group by the Scottish Government, tasked with exploring ways to increase cervical screening rates—such as introducing self-sampling options.
A recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee is also expected this spring.
The Scottish Government’s Equity in Screening Strategy, launched in 2023 and supported by £1 million in annual funding aims to ensure that all eligible individuals can navigate the full screening process without barriers.