Protecting young people in Lambeth: HPV vaccination catch-up clinics this summer
London has the lowest uptake of HPV across regions of England. Lambeth’s overall HPV vaccination coverage is lower than the London average. This is a concern, as the HPV vaccine helps protect against several types of cancer and other illnesses caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
What is HPV and why does the vaccine matter?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
Catch-up clinics in Lambeth
All children aged 12 to 13 (Year 8) are offered the HPV vaccine at school. If missed at that age, it’s available free on the NHS for all girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006.
To ensure that no child is left out, the school-age immunisation service is offering additional vaccination clinics at trusted local community centres. If your child missed their HPV vaccine offer at school, or other routine school-age immunisations, they can attend one of the following walk-in clinics this summer:
- Tuesday 29 July, 10.30am to 2pm – Lambeth Somali Community Association, SW9 9AU
- Monday 4 August, 10am to 2pm – Rye Oak Children & Family Centre, SE15 3PD
- Monday 11 August, 10am to 2pm – Stockwell Children’s Centre, SW9 9TG
- Friday 15 August, 10am to 2pm – Stockwell Children’s Centre, SW9 9TG
No appointment is needed. For more information, call the Schools Vaccination Team on 020 8614 5495 or 020 8614 5496 or hrch.lambethimms@nhs.net. If you miss one of the catch up sessions, contact the team to receive information about your in-school sessions. You can also speak to your GP.
Want to know more about vaccines?
Here are some reputable sources of information about the HPV vaccine and other childhood vaccinations:
NHS – HPV vaccine
Why does this matter to Lambeth Together?
Partners are working together across Lambeth to improve vaccine uptake and ensure every young person has the opportunity to be protected. The Lambeth Together Staying Healthy Programme supports people to stay well and prevent them from developing serious, long-term health conditions and preventable diseases. Read more about the Lambeth Together Staying Healthy Programme.