Pupils’ HPV jabs cancelled to tackle backlog

Scores of HPV vaccines for young people have been cancelled in Fife, as the region’s health board battles to catch up with a backlog of Covid-19 jabs.

The Human Papillomavirus vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer, some mouth, throat, head and neck cancers, and some cancers of the anal and genital areas.

The exact number of cancellations for 12 and 13-year-old boys and girls is unclear, but it is understood four clinics – Carnegie Hall, St Columba’s Church, Kirkcaldy Scout Hall and Forth Street Hall – have been impacted.

That means that pupils at 16 secondary schools across Fife have seen their appointments cancelled at short notice, with no information about rescheduling.

Rebecca Shoosmith, acting chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust charity, urged NHS Fife to ensure a firm plan of action is in place to reschedule the vaccinations.

“The HPV vaccine has been proven to be highly effective at preventing cervical cancer and it gives us the potential to save many lives,” she said.

“In Scotland, we have seen a 90% drop in rates of cervical cell changes thanks to the school vaccination programme.

“Disruptions to delivery as a result of Covid-19 and the vaccination rollout are understandable, but it is vital that there are clear plans in place to catch up with the huge cohort of young people who have missed out on the vaccine in the previous school years.”

A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: “All HPV appointments have been cancelled and those affected will be contacted in due course and reappointed.

“NHS Fife apologies for any inconvenience caused by this.”