Young people in Bristol urged to check their HPV vaccination status

Young people aged 16 to 24 across the Bristol area are being urged to find out whether they’ve had their HPV vaccine, and to come forward for a free catch-up dose if they haven’t.

The push is part of a joint campaign called “Protection Looks Good On You,” led by North Somerset Council alongside Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and the local NHS integrated care board. The aim is to boost HPV vaccine uptake throughout the region.

Much of the campaign’s approach grew out of workshops with students at City of Bristol College, Weston College, and SGS College, where young people worked with public health officials from the three councils to shape ideas for spreading awareness effectively.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is extremely common, and most people will encounter it at some stage in life. In the majority of cases, it clears up naturally without symptoms — but in some instances it lingers and can eventually contribute to certain cancers.

Vaccination guards against the HPV strains linked to several cancer types, among them cervical cancer as well as cancers affecting the throat, mouth, anus, and genitals. It’s available free on the NHS and remains the single most effective safeguard against these HPV-related cancers.

Importantly, the vaccine isn’t just for one gender — HPV can affect anyone, so all 12- and 13-year-olds are routinely offered it regardless of gender. Those who missed out earlier can still get a free catch-up dose any time before turning 25. Full eligibility details are on the NHS website’s HPV vaccine page.

Dr Geeta Iyer, a local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the area’s NHS integrated care board, said the vaccine offers a safe, proven way to reduce cancer risk, and encouraged anyone under 25 who’s uncertain about their vaccination history to check their records and speak to their GP practice about catching up. She added that taking this step now is a straightforward way to protect long-term health.

The campaign will be visible around the region through bus advertising, social media, and in-person events, including HPV Health Ambassadors attending college freshers’ fairs to answer questions and share information.

Anyone unsure whether they’ve had the vaccine can check via their GP practice or, where available, the NHS App. A missed dose can be arranged directly with a GP surgery.

The vaccine has an established safety record, having been administered to millions of people worldwide, with ongoing monitoring backing its safety profile.

More information, including full eligibility criteria, is available on the NHS website’s HPV vaccination page.

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