Surrey HPV Vaccine Drive Targets Young Adults Missing School Programme
Local Cancer Alliance Pushes for Higher Vaccination Rates Across Surrey Communities
Health leaders across Surrey and Sussex are launching an expanded campaign to encourage young adults aged 18 to 25 to receive the HPV vaccine, with particular focus on those who missed their opportunity during school years or the pandemic disruption. The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance has identified a significant gap in vaccination coverage, with current uptake sitting at around two-thirds of eligible young people across both counties—a marked decline from pre-pandemic levels. Dr Alex Norman, co-medical director at the alliance, emphasises that this initiative represents a critical public health opportunity. The virus responsible for HPV infections can lead to several serious cancers, including cervical and mouth cancers, yet the vaccine remains one of the most effective preventative tools available through the NHS. Last year's targeted campaign proved remarkably successful, with vaccination activity at university health clinics rising by 117% compared to 2024. The alliance now aims to build on that momentum, recognising that many young adults remain unaware they can still access protection even if they missed their school vaccinations. For residents in areas like Guildford, Woking, Dorking, and East Horsley, local GP practices have become key vaccination hubs offering accessible appointments for this age group.
Universities in Guildford, Woking and Beyond See Campaign Success
The campaign's success at university campuses across the region demonstrates the power of targeted, community-focused health messaging. Four universities in Sussex and Surrey received focused outreach through posters and leaflets, with results showing significant uptake increases. This approach recognises that young adults cluster at educational institutions, making them prime locations for vaccination drives. Universities in areas surrounding Horsley and East Horsley, as well as larger centres like Guildford and Woking, have become vital partners in the alliance's strategy. The dramatic 117% rise in vaccinations at GP clinics serving university populations shows that when information reaches young people effectively, they respond. NHS Surrey and Sussex deputy chief medical officer Dr Amy Dissanayake stresses that each vaccination represents genuine cancer prevention before disease develops. This isn't about managing illness after diagnosis—it's about eliminating future risk entirely. The NHS targets complete HPV eradication by 2040, an ambitious goal made achievable only through sustained vaccination uptake. Young adults who received the vaccine at age 12-13 show near-zero risk of cervical cancer death by age 30, validating the intervention's extraordinary effectiveness.
What You Need to Know: Eligibility, Access, and Next Steps for Local Residents
If you're aged 18 to 25 and uncertain about your vaccination status, now is the moment to take action. Contact your GP practice directly—whether you're registered in Guildford, Woking, Dorking, Horsley, or East Horsley—to discuss HPV vaccine eligibility and book an appointment. The vaccine protects against more than 100 viral types, though serious variants cause the greatest health concern. School-age girls have been offered protection since 2008, with boys added to routine programmes in 2019, yet many young adults slipped through gaps during transitions or the pandemic. Critically, you remain eligible for vaccination into your mid-twenties, regardless of whether you received doses during school years. The vaccine's effectiveness is scientifically proven: young people vaccinated in early adolescence developed close to zero cervical cancer risk by their thirties. For community organisations, workplaces, and local businesses—from bathroom fitters to bathroom refurbishment companies employing young staff—sharing information about vaccination opportunities helps protect your workforce's future health. As the alliance continues building momentum through 2025, expect increased visibility of vaccination information across local health services. The message is straightforward: don't assume you've missed your chance. Speak to your GP today.
Source: Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance launches HPV vaccine campaign
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