The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day to remind the public that vaccination and regular cervical screening are vital tools in reducing rates of HPV-related cancers.

The HPV vaccine is currently administered as a convenient one-dose programme for Year 9 pupils in school. Administered as an injection in the upper arm, research indicates that a single dose provides high-level, long-lasting protection against various cancers. Parents are urged to look out for and return the necessary school consent forms to ensure their children are protected.

HPV is a common virus that affects roughly eight out of ten people at some point in their lives. While the body's immune system usually clears the infection, persistent cases can lead to several types of cancer, including over 90% of cervical cancers as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and genitals.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, explained: "HPV is a very common virus – about 8 out of 10 people catch it at some time in their lives. The virus usually causes no symptoms and is mainly spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. In most cases, the body's immune system will clear the virus and it doesn't cause any problems, but in some people the virus can stay in the body for many years and could develop into cancer.

"We have two very effective ways of helping to reduce cervical cancer in Northern Ireland – HPV vaccination and cervical screening. By ensuring high uptake of both of these programmes, we can drive down the number of cases of the disease." In Northern Ireland, cervical screening—commonly known as a smear test—is available to women aged 25–64. The programme offers tests every three years for those aged 25–49 and every five years for those aged 50–64. The test identifies high-risk HPV types and abnormal cell changes before they can develop into cancer.

Dr McClean added: "The HPV vaccine will help protect your child against HPV infection and associated cancers, including over 90% of cervical cancers in women, and cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and genitals in men and women, and against genital warts."

"When a young person receives the vaccine, their body will react by making antibodies that will help the immune system fight HPV infection. The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer. If you have been eligible for the vaccine but have not received it in school, you can still receive it free of charge until the age of 25. You can find out if you are eligible by contacting your GP surgery."

It is also important to be aware of signs and symptoms of cancers that can be caused by HPV. Visit www.becancerawareni.info/signs-and-symptoms for details.

Please see the following websites for further information:

Cervical Screening: www.pha.site/cervicalscreening

HPV: www.pha.site/HPVvaccination

NI Direct – Cervical Screening: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/cervical-screening

NI Direct – human papillomavirus (HPV): www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv