86% fall in infections thanks to HPV vaccine

THE human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme has led to significant reductions in the number of young women carrying potentially life-threatening infections, a new study shows.

The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18 strains.

These infections decreased by 86% in women aged 16 to 21 who were eligible for the vaccination as teenagers between 2010 and 2016, according to surveillance data from England.

The Public Health England study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggests the vaccine programme could trigger future reductions in cervical cancer rates.

Mary Ramsay, head of immunisations at PHE, said: ‘These results are very promising and mean that in years to come we can expect to see significant decreases in cervical cancer, which is currently one of the biggest causes of cancer in women under 35.

‘This study also reminds us how important it is to keep vaccination rates high to reduce the spread of this preventable infection.

‘I encourage all parents of girls aged 12 to 13 to make sure they take up the offer of this potentially lifesaving vaccine.’

More than 30,000 young girls starting secondary school here in Ireland are due to receive the HPV vaccine this year, with parents asked to sign a consent form.

The data shows declines across five high-risk HPV types in total, which cause around 90% of cervical cancer cases. The research adds to a body of evidence which suggests the vaccine offers protection against other HPV types that can cause cervical cancer, PHE said.

HPV is a group of more than 100 viruses. According to the HSE, most people will get a HPV infection during their lifetime, usually due to sexual activity. Most of these do not cause any symptoms, or problems, and resolve themselves without treatment. However, in a small number of cases, certain HPV types can progress to cancer. HPV can infect females and males and is associated with cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus.

Every year in Ireland approximately 300 women get cervical cancer and around 90 women die from the condition.