Public Health Scotland is urging families to support the HPV vaccination programme after new data shows uptake among S1 pupils remains lower than before the pandemic.
The latest annual report shows a small rise in uptake during 2024 and 2025 compared with the previous year but the longer term trend continues to move downward.
Vaccination rates have gradually declined over the past decade and the newest figures confirm that inequalities remain across gender, geography, deprivation and ethnicity.
Overall coverage for S1 pupils in 2024 and 2025 stands at 72.6% with uptake rising to 82.9% by S4.
Girls in S1 have an uptake rate of 75.7% while uptake for boys is lower at 69.7%.
The report highlights a clear link between deprivation and vaccination with 62% uptake in the most deprived communities compared with 83.4% in the least deprived areas.
Geography also plays a part.
Pupils in accessible rural areas reach 75.9% uptake while pupils in remote small towns sit at 59.5%.
There are differences across ethnic groups too which Public Health Scotland says must be better understood if uptake is to improve.
The HPV vaccine protects against a virus responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and growing evidence shows it offers strong and long lasting protection against the early cell changes that can develop into cancer later in life.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer confirms the vaccine’s long term effectiveness in preventing the early stages of cervical disease.
The vaccine also protects against other HPV related cancers including some cancers of the head and neck and several anogenital cancers such as cancers of the penis, vagina, vulva and anus.
With consent forms due to be sent home early in the new year and vaccination sessions planned for early 2026, families are being encouraged to speak openly with their children about the importance of early protection.
Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland, 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 the offer of vaccination and protect themselves against future risks.”
The message from health professionals is clear.
Strong uptake now will offer long term protection that could prevent cancers decades from today and lifting rates back to pre pandemic levels will depend on conversations taking place in homes and schools across Scotland.
