GPs told to focus on HPV in annual vaccination catch-up campaign
NHS England has confirmed that this year’s national immunisation catch-up campaign will focus on increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, with GP practices expected to deliver targeted recall and opportunistic offers as part of their contractual responsibilities.
The campaign, which runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, forms part of the GP contract Enhanced Service Specification for vaccination and immunisation. This annual campaign is aimed at improving coverage of specific routine vaccinations where uptake has fallen behind national targets.
In a document published on Friday, NHS England said: ‘You will be aware that practices are required to participate in a national vaccination and immunisation campaign each year, as a requirement of the GP contracts. This year, the agreed campaign is a catch-up campaign for HPV vaccination.’
The catch-up offer applies to young people who missed out on their routine HPV vaccination at school, and remains available up until their 25th birthday. Under the campaign, practices are expected to identify eligible patients and offer the vaccine through both proactive invitation and opportunistic administration.
NHS England said that additional support materials will be provided to GP practices in the coming months, including guidance for engaging underserved populations and improving recall systems.
Key details of the HPV catch-up campaign
Target cohort: Individuals eligible for HPV vaccination who have not completed the course, up to age 25.
Delivery window: 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
Practice responsibilities:
- Proactively identify and invite eligible patients
- Offer opportunistic vaccination
- Record all activity as part of the Enhanced Service
Source: NHS England
This follows last year’s campaign, which focused on improving uptake of the pertussis vaccine in pregnancy, and the MMR campaign in 2023/24.
The campaign aligns with wider efforts to meet World Health Organization targets for HPV vaccination and to reduce cervical cancer incidence. The UK Government has set out a commitment of eliminating cervical cancer in England by 2040, primarily through vaccination and screening.
The HPV vaccine is currently offered as a single dose to children in school Year 8, with a catch-up programme in place for those who miss the school-based offer.
Meanwhile, the NHS in England has changed cervical cancer screening intervals from three to five years for women aged 25 to 49 years who have a negative HPV test. And the Government’s 10-year health plan said under-screened women would be supplied with self-sampling HPV kits.
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