Why are HPV vaccine rates in Scotland decreasing?

HPV vaccination rates in Scottish schools have gradually declined over the past 10 years and are now lower than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Public Health Scotland.

What is the gap in HPV vaccination between rich and poor areas in Scotland?

A significant gap exists, with 83.4% of S1 pupils in the most affluent areas vaccinated compared to only 62% in the poorest areas during the 2024-25 school year.

How can Scotland eliminate HPV-related cancers?

Elimination of HPV-related cancers is possible through continued vaccination efforts and encouraging uptake of screening, as stated by Public Health Scotland.

Home / Health / HPV Vaccine Uptake Drops Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

HPV Vaccine Uptake Drops Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

HPV vaccination rates in Scottish schools are lower than before the pandemic.
A significant gap exists between affluent and deprived areas in vaccine uptake.
Public Health Scotland urges increased vaccination to eliminate HPV-related cancers.

HPV Vaccine Uptake Drops Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Vaccination rates for the HPV vaccine, which protects against several cancers, have decreased in Scottish schools compared to pre-pandemic figures. Public Health Scotland reported that while there was a minor increase in S1 pupil vaccinations for 2024-25, the overall trend over the last ten years shows a decline.

Compounding this concern is a widening disparity in vaccine uptake between the most and least affluent areas. In 2024-25, only 62% of S1 pupils in the poorest areas received the vaccine, compared to 83.4% in the wealthiest areas. This inequality has significantly worsened since 2019-20.

Health officials are actively encouraging parents and guardians to return consent forms for the free HPV vaccine. The goal is to reverse the declining trend and ensure widespread vaccination to enable the future elimination of HPV-related cancers, emphasizing the importance of timely uptake before exposure to the virus.