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Parents are being urged to make sure their children take up the offer of the HPV vaccine at school.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus in the UK, with around eight in ten people being infected it with at some point in their lives.

Chris Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Most HPV infections don’t show any symptoms and for most people, the virus will clear from the body naturally without causing harm.

“However, in some cases it can lead to cell changes that may develop into cancer, or cause genital warts.

“High-risk types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer, head and neck cancers, and other cancers of the genitals and anus.”

Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Dr Johnson said: “The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective single-dose vaccine that is offered to all children at 12 to 13 years of age, or school year 8. It provides long-lasting protection against HPV and the cancers it can cause.” 

‘It could save a life’

Rhian Griffiths was 25 when she died from cervical cancer. At the time, there was no vaccination against HPV as part of the routine immunisation programme in Wales.

Now, Rhian’s parents are urging families to protect their children by ensuring they get vaccinated, and have raised more than £1m in their daughter’s memory to support cancer services across south Wales.

Her dad Wayne, said: “Rhian didn’t want to be forgotten and she never will be. If hearing her story encourages even one person to get vaccinated or attend a screening, it could save a life and spare another family the pain we have been through. 

“Don’t be unsure – what’s stopping you? There are no disadvantages, and it could save your life. Anything that can reduce your risk of cancer is worth it.”

Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is being offered in schools across Wales to all Year 8 pupils, as well as those who may have previously missed their vaccination.

Young people who don’t attend school, or have missed their vaccine in school, will be able to get their jab – either at school, community vaccination centres, or through their GP.

Anyone concerned their child has missed the vaccination can contact their school nurse, immunisation team, or GP.

Young people remain eligible to receive the HPV vaccine up until their 25th birthday. For boys, the catch up is for those born after September 1, 2006.