On Saturday 17 January 2026, an HPV Vaccination Information & Protection Day was delivered at Pontoon Dock, aimed at supporting individuals eligible for HPV catch-up vaccination and increasing awareness of HPV-related cancer prevention.
The session commenced with a 15-minute presentation at 10:00am, delivered by our General Practitioner and Regional Medical Director, Dr Scarlett Gard. The presentation outlined key information on the HPV vaccine, including its safety profile, effectiveness, and role in preventing HPV-related cancers such as cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, providing attendees with the opportunity to raise questions and discuss any concerns directly with a senior clinician. This facilitated informed decision-making and addressed common misconceptions about the HPV vaccination programme.
A total of 31 individuals attended the event. Attendees were also offered one-to-one discussions with members of the clinical team. As a direct outcome of the session, 14 patients received their HPV catch-up vaccination on the day, administered by trained nursing staff.
The event was open to:
Individuals eligible for HPV catch-up vaccination (up to age 25)
Parents and carers seeking further information
Light refreshments were provided to support a welcoming and accessible environment.
Community-based vaccination events such as this provide significant benefits, including improved access to services, increased vaccine uptake, reduced health inequalities, and enhanced patient understanding through direct engagement with clinicians. These sessions also support informed decision-making and help address barriers to vaccination.
The practice remains committed to delivering further patient-focused health promotion and vaccination events to support prevention, early intervention, and improved health outcomes across the community.
