The NHS South East London Cancer Alliance has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the HPV vaccine among Gen Z and Millennials, and also men who have sex with men (MSM).
The vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause certain cancers including cervical and penile cancer.
The campaign tagline "Catch feelings, not HPV" cleverly reframes the social trend "Catch flights, not feelings"while introducing in the call to action — "Get Vaccinated." The vintage-styled artwork is bold, fun and sharable and celebrates relationships, intimacy and emotional wellbeing.
The campaign will launch at London’s Mighty Hoopla 2025 Festival (31 May – 1 June) and run across multiple channels around the event - from local ad targeting on dating app Grindr and Snapchat (with a custom festival lens), to on the ground adbikes and iVans stationed around Brixton, Herne Hill, and Brockwell Park for maximum visibility.
What is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spreadthrough skin contact (usually when having sex).
Most types of HPV are harmless. But high-risk types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer ,mouth cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval cancer and vaginal cancer. HPV can also cause genital warts.
Why are we supporting younger people and Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to be vaccinated?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck (mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital area. Although the vaccine is offered within schools, many people miss the opportunity to get these vaccinations, and some members of our community have a higher risk of infection then others, we want to support our local community who can benefit from this treatment to get access.
Who is suitable for the vaccine and how can I get it?
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Population Group |
Younger Adults |
Men who have sex with men |
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Who’s suitable? |
Young people who missed out on their HPV vaccine at school, including:
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Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, up to and including 45 years of age. |
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Total Dose |
One dose, unless immunosuppressed in some way. |
Doses are dependant on age and if you’re immunosuppressed:
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Where can I be vaccinated? |
At your local GP practice on request. |
At sexual health and HIV clinics: |
Who else might benefit?
The HPV vaccine is also sometimes recommended for other people at higher risk from HPV, such as:
- Some transgender individuals
- Sex workers
- People living with a HIV infection
For these individuals, contact your GP, local sexual health clinic (find them here) or local HIV clinic (Find them here), for clinical assessment and to understand if your local service can support you.
