NHS chiefs say young adults living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire health region have the power to eliminate cervical cancer.
They can do this by being vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV.
The vaccine, which is available to both males and females aged between 16 and 25, offers protection against HPV, which is the collective name for a wide range of contagious viruses that can be spread through sexual contact.
While most cases of HPV do not result in any visible symptoms, some people can develop painful genital warts and, on rare occasions, the virus can lead to the development of cervical cancer among women.
It is hoped that a sharp uptake in the number of people having the vaccine, which is already offered in schools as part of routine childhood immunisations, could pave the way for the elimination of cervical cancer by 2040.
This latest call to action coincides with International HPV Awareness Day, which is marked every year on 4 March as a way of encouraging those at risk to get protected.
Gill May, Chief Nurse Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “By getting vaccinated against HPV, our young people have a fantastic opportunity to not only protect themselves, but to be part of a movement that has the power to potentially save countless lives.
“The elimination of cervical cancer could realistically happen within the next 15 years or so, but only if people who have missed out on having the HPV vaccine at school come forward for their catch-up jab.
“It’s vital for our young people to know just how important this area of their health and wellbeing is, especially as they start to become sexually active, and that the HPV vaccine – like condoms and the pill – is another way of keeping themselves and their partners safe.”
Young people who have missed out on getting the HPV vaccine in school can receive a catch-up dose from their GP practice.
Students currently in further or higher education can find out more about the vaccine by speaking to their college or university’s health and wellbeing team.
The ICB is currently spearheading a digital advertising campaign across platforms including Spotify, Facebook and Instagram to help raise awareness of the power of the vaccine among its target audience of adults aged between 16 and 25-years-old.
The adverts will take people to the Your Health section of the BSW Together website, which contains further details on the HPV vaccine, including where young people can go to receive their catch-up jab.
People can visit www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth-hpv to find out more.
Other extensive information about the HPV virus, including prevention methods, possible symptoms and treatment options, can be also found online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv.
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