HPV and queer communities: all you need to know

The Love Tank launches a new information programme for queer people today about the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the vaccinations available to protect against it. The programme, developed in collaboration with North East London Cancer Alliance, seeks to improve awareness of HPV in groups of people who are not benefiting from current vaccination offers.

Dr Will Nutland, Director of The Love Tank says:

"We know that people who attend sexual health clinics regularly are very good at being vaccinated. But HPV vaccine uptake is lower in groups of people who missed out on early-adult vaccine programmes, or who aren't connected with NHS services."

Dr Benjamin Weil, Head of Research at The Love Tank says:

"HPV is commonly associated with cervical cancer but HPV can lead to other types of cancer including anal, penile, head and neck cancers. Whilst almost everyone is exposed to one or more types of HPV, with little to no impact on our health, vaccines protect people of any gender against the higher-risk forms of the virus that can lead to cancer."

The online guide includes information on current vaccination regimes, on screening programmes, and specific information for trans people.

The online guide is being accompanied by targeted pop-up HPV vaccination events for key communities of people.

The guide is available at queerhealth.info/hpv