Angela Constance, the Almond Valley MSP, has encouraged residents to get the HPV vaccine to help fight cervical cancer.
Vaccination Programme
In Scotland, the HPV vaccination is routinely offered to pupils in S1 (around age 12) and re-offered in subsequent years (S2 to S4). Figures show an around 78.1% coverage rate in West Lothian by the end of S4.
Effectiveness and Decline
A study in 2024 showed that no cervical cancer cases have been detected in fully vaccinated women following HPV immunisation at age 12-13 since the programme started in Scotland in 2008. However, Scotland-wide figures have shown a decline in the overall vaccination rate over the last ten years—down from 93.3% in 2015/16 to 82.9% in 2024/25—indicating that progress is not linear.
Constance's Message
Ms Constance said: “The HPV vaccine is really important, and Scotland has high rates of vaccination, but these figures show we cannot be complacent about that progress. The Scottish Government started this successful programme and, while we know no cervical cancer cases have been detected in women fully vaccinated at 12-13, we need vaccination rates to remain high. It’s for that reason that I would encourage everyone here in West Lothian who is eligible for the HPV vaccine to get it and continue the fight against cervical cancer and other forms of cancer that stem from HPV.”
