HPV covers more than 100 different types of virus, many of which cause no issues in most people, but more serious types can lead to certain types of cancers such as cervical or mouth and throat cancers.<\/p>\n
The viruses are usually spread through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.<\/p>\n
School-age girls began being offered the HPV vaccine from 2008, and boys began routinely being offered it in 2019.<\/p>\n
Research released earlier this year showed that children vaccinated at age 12\u201313 against HPV have close to zero risk of dying from cervical cancer<\/a> before the age of 30.<\/p>\n During its 2025 campaign, a spokesperson for the cancer alliance said vaccinations at GP clinics in 2025 which serve universities in the region rose by 117% compared to 2024.<\/p>\n Anyone wishing to get the vaccine should contact their GP practice, it advised.<\/p>\n Posters and flyers were sent out to four universities in Sussex and Surrey during the campaign, it added.<\/p>\n Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy chief medical officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: “Every vaccination represents an opportunity to prevent cancer before it develops. <\/p>\n “We are pleased to work with partners across Surrey and Sussex to promote uptake of the HPV vaccine and ensure young people understand both their eligibility and the benefits of vaccination.”<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external<\/a>, on X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n