Vaccination and Screening update
Extending cervical screening intervals for 24-49 year olds
On behalf of Andrew Barton, Vaccinations and Screening Communications Lead.
On 10 June, Minister Dalton announced the implementation of extended screening intervals for cervical screening participants.
From 1 July 2025, most women aged 25 – 49 who test negative for HPV – meaning they are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer over the next five years – will be invited at five-year intervals rather than three. This applies to samples taken on or after 1 July and next test due dates remain the same for any samples taken before this date.
This change is backed by clinical evidence and a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee.
A system letter outlining the change and guidance to support commissioners and programme providers to prepare for the change to the longer interval can be found here and includes the:
- Communications toolkit and FAQ
- Implementation Guidance for Commissioners
- Clinical Pathway Protocol – following the implementation of a 5-year screening interval for people aged 24.5 to 49 years
Updated NHS Cervical Screening Programme Service Specifications are also available here.
In addition, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme has introduced digital invitations and reminders via the NHS App. This means quicker and more convenient access to cervical screening invites when screening is due. For those where a digital invitation isn’t possible, a letter will be posted as a backup. Guidance for providers on digital information is available on the V&S Futures page here.
Thank you for your continued support which has been instrumental in helping to plan for this major change to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Cervical screening digital invites/reminders go live
On behalf of Andrew Barton, Vaccinations and Screening Communications Lead.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has now introduced digital invitations and reminders via the NHS App. This means quicker and more convenient access to cervical screening invites when screening is due. For those where a digital invitation isn’t possible, a letter will be posted as a backup. All invitations will guide participants to book appointments in the usual way. We would encourage everyone to download the NHS App and enable notifications.
This digital transformation supports the NHS commitment to put patients in control of their own healthcare, making it easier to manage appointments and health needs. I would like to thank staff involved in delivering NHS Cervical Screening Programme services for playing an important part in ensuring these changes are communicated to women and people with a cervix coming forward for screening.
Continuing to encourage all those eligible remains central to our ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, and we are grateful for the continued efforts to support this aim.”