UPTAKE of a vaccine designed to help protect against cervical cancer is on the rise after coronavirus brought it to a standstill.

Figures show the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine programme, which is offered to all Scottish school pupils aged around 12 or 13 years old, stalled during the pandemic.

As with all childhood immunisations across the UK, numbers dwindled as a result of numerous lockdowns and healthcare shortages.

However, the most recent data has revealed numbers are beginning to increase once more with 73.5% of youngsters receiving the first dose by 2022.

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The jag helps protect against cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers, as well as other cancers found in the genitals – all of which can be caused by HPV.

The virus is typically harmless and is usually cleared by the body on its own, however, the vaccine coupled with cervical screening tests limit its ability to mutate into the disease.

A catch-up programme is in operation for those under the age of 25 who missed the vaccine, which is given in two doses over the course of six to 24 months, while at school.

Samantha Dixon, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: “We have the evidence that shows the HPV vaccine is stopping young women from developing cervical cancer, and that’s an incredible thing.

“Around nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the UK and the vaccine is helping to change that. I’d urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer.

“Whether you have been vaccinated or not, going for cervical screening remains important to help further reduce your risk of cervical cancer.”

A study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in young women who had been eligible for HPV vaccination when they were aged 12 to 13 years, compared to similar young women born a few years earlier who had not been offered vaccination, clearly showing the programme is preventing cervical cancers.

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Overall, the study estimated that the HPV programme had prevented about 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers up to mid-2019.

Despite the benefits, uptake remains well below pre-pandemic levels.

In 2022, 77.5% of young girls received their first jab compared with 85.1% in 2018/19.

UK minister for women’s health Maria Caulfield said: “As a nurse who has worked on cancer units, I have seen first-hand the importance of HPV vaccination in saving countless lives by preventing cervical cancer.

“We’re improving the cervical cancer screening process, including opening up 24/7 laboratory screening and expanding the location options available – so people can get their tests easier and results faster.

“I encourage all 12 and 13-year-olds who are offered this vaccine to take it – it could save your life.”