Pharmacists already deliver flu vaccines in several European countries. Now some are ready for a new challenge ‒ engaging with the public about HPV vaccination. Convenient access, as well the opportunity to ask questions of a trusted healthcare professional, make community pharmacists an appealing option for the public.
Flu vaccine is the most commonly delivered vaccine in community pharmacies, but vaccines against COVID-19, pneumococcal disease and RSV are available at pharmacies in some countries. Pharmacists also have regular contact with people who have chronic diseases and may be at higher risk if infected with some respiratory conditions.
Many pharmacists are interested in going further, by offering vaccines against HPV. This could protect more people against preventable cancer ‒ and help to end cervical cancer within a generation. Europe aims to reach 90% vaccination rates among adolescent girls by 2030, but progress has been mixed. Several countries have already reached this goal while others have some catching up to do.
Key facts about the HPV vaccine
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause cervical cancer, as well as head and neck cancers and genital warts. Most people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, but many are not aware of the virus or the risk of cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against the most dangerous types of the virus. It is recommended for adolescent girls in all European countries. Health authorities in the majority of European countries also recommend the vaccine for adolescent boys.
The vaccine was previously offered as a two-dose course. The WHO now says a single-dose schedule offers solid protection against cervical cancer, prompting some countries to change their schedule. (See local authority advice or view national vaccine calendars via the ECDC vaccine schedule.)
The virus is often cleared by the body naturally. However, it may stay in the body and cause cancer several years ‒ or even decades ‒ after the original infection.
Vaccines are generally given in early adolescence, before people are likely to have been exposed to the virus. This means that it will take time to see the full impact of HPV vaccines. However, there are already clear indications that cases of HPV-related pre-cancers have fallen significantly. In England, cervical cancer cases have fallen by 90%.
The vaccine works.
Mild side effects
It is important to note that the HPV vaccine has many of the same, mild side effects as other vaccines. These include soreness and redness in their arm where the injection was given. This discomfort passes after a day or two.
After receiving the vaccine, people are generally asked to sit and rest for fifteen minutes in case they feel unwell. Some people experience a slight temperature in response to the vaccine which can be managed using paracetamol or ibuprofen. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.
The challenge of addressing misinformation
Vaccine misinformation is a major challenge. Uptake of the HPV vaccine has been affected by the spread of inaccurate information. This will affect the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer.
In Japan in 2013, false rumours spread on social media about the safety of HPV vaccines. Some parents opted out of HPV vaccination on behalf of their children. These rumours are unfounded, but have impacted vaccination rates in several European countries.
What were these unfounded rumours?
Two specific claims have been made about the vaccine. These unfounded rumours falsely suggested a link with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Why the confusion?
CRPS and POTS are real but very rare conditions that can affect teenagers. HPV vaccines are given to teenagers, leading some to wonder whether there was a connection.
Are the concerns reasonable?
The concerns were understandable but unfounded. There is no causal link between HPV vaccines and the symptoms of CRPS and POTS.
How do we know?
Independent experts at the European Medicines Agency looked at the rates of these conditions in teenagers who had had the vaccine. They compared this to teenagers who had not had the vaccine. The rates of POTS and CRPS were the same in both groups.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes. HPV vaccines are used in 140 countries around the world. More than 200 million doses of HPV vaccine have been given over the past twenty years and large volumes of safety data have been collected. National and international health authorities are united in their view that HPV vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent a highly dangerous, cancer-causing virus.
Patient story: one woman’s fight to save the next generation
Laura Brennan was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016. The following year, after receiving treatment, she was ‘cancer free’ and began planning her future. But just a few months later, the cancer came back and everything changed.
Laura dedicated herself to raising awareness of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in Ireland and across Europe. At that time, due to unfounded rumours about vaccine safety, HPV vaccination rates in Ireland had fallen. Thanks to Laura’s high-profile work, and a group of dedicated health professionals and advocates, vaccine uptake began to rise.
After her death in 2019, #ThankYouLaura was trending on Twitter and the Irish national broadcaster produced a film about her life.
Read more: Thank you, Laura
How can health professionals help beat cervical cancer?
Depending on age, gender and cultural background, the conversation on HPV vaccination may become more complex than discussions on flu vaccination, for example. All vaccinators should be prepared and trained for challenges that may arise.
Pharmacists, along with doctors and nurses, can help to eliminate cervical cancer by supporting HPV vaccination. Community pharmacists are well-placed to answer questions from adolescents and their parents regarding the safety of the vaccine and the importance of being protected.
Today’s generation of young people can look forward to much lower rates of cervical cancer in the population. However, only countries with strong vaccine uptake will eliminate this devastating disease.
How can pharmacy students play their part?
Every year, EPSA’s Educational Department and Public Health Coordinator mark European Immunization Week with a dedicated awareness week campaign across its member associations.
Through social media, webinars, educational materials, and local initiatives, student pharmacists raise awareness of the importance of vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, among 44 member associations in 36 countries representing thousands of pharmacy students across Europe.
These efforts reflect EPSA’s commitment to supporting future pharmacists in becoming proactive advocates for vaccination, countering misinformation, and contributing to public health at both national and European levels.
Training & support
EPSA encourages national health authorities and pharmacy regulators to expand the role of community pharmacists in HPV vaccination. With proper training and clear policy support, pharmacists — and future pharmacists — can become key players in protecting young people from preventable cancers.
‘Pharmacy students are essential partners in strengthening vaccine confidence and accessibility,’ says Ljupka, EPSA Public Health Coordinator. ‘Through our annual campaigns and ongoing advocacy, we aim to equip future pharmacists with the knowledge and communication skills to support public health goals — including the elimination of HPV-related cancers.’
What can you do?
- Pharmacists: Learn more, advocate for expanded roles
- Students: Join EPSA campaigns, educate peers
- Public: Ask your pharmacist about the HPV vaccine
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