Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will bring forward the timeline for the review and recommendation in respect of the introduction of a universal HPV vaccination programme.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is the independent expert body that advises the Government on all immunisation matters including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

HPV is currently recommended for adolescent girls aged 12-13 years.

The JCVI is currently considering possible extension to the programme, including to men who have sex with men (MSM) and adolescent boys. The JCVI is not considering a universal HPV vaccination programme.

Detailed cost effectiveness analysis is required to fully understand the potential benefits of any proposals. It is essential that the JCVI does its work thoroughly and comprehensively before finalising its advice to the Government.