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In April 2018, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) launched ‘VApril’, the world’s largest vaping education campaign, to address the growing need for more awareness about vaping. The campaign is held annually.
VApril was created to help smokers who want to quit by offering evidence-based advice on transitioning to vaping and debunking the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the most effective smoking cessation tool available today.
From 2025, VApril also provides guidance on key topics such as Identifying Illegal Vapes and Recycling Awareness, to help consumers protect themselves and the environment as they make the life-changing decision to quit smoking through vaping.
According to a report published by One Poll; nearly 72% of smokers credit VApril as a contributing factor to helping them comfortably make the switch from cigarettes to vaping.
VApril Hub
On UKVIA’s VApril Hub, they offer a range of information, industry expert advice and evidence-based facts about vaping
- ‘#VapingWorks‘, showcases ex-smokers who made the switch and want to inspire others
- The five-step ‘Start Vaping, Stop Smoking‘ plan which was produced by UKVIA and its members and designed by experts, aims to provide individuals with the best opportunity to transition away from harmful cigarette smoking by using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Each step is designed to help smokers gradually move toward a smoke-free life, offering guidance and support to make the process easier and more effective
- ‘Facts not Fiction‘ provides a list of ten evidence-based facts
We have collected the information from the VApril Hub and included it in this blog post for your convenience.
Facts not Fiction
Recent studies reveal that a significant number of adult smokers in Great Britain remain misinformed about the relative harm of vaping compared to smoking. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH, 2023), four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful as or even more harmful than smoking. However, research from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID, 2022) shows that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, providing a clear benefit for those looking to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use.
The role of vaping in reducing smoking rates is evident. Smoking rates among UK adults have dropped to their lowest levels ever, now at just 12.9%—a significant decline, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2023). Vaping has played a pivotal part in this decline, helping many smokers quit or significantly reduce their tobacco consumption. In fact, more than half (55%) of current vapers who are ex-smokers in Great Britain have been using e-cigarettes for over three years, indicating the long-term effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation tool (ASH, 2023).
This positive trend is further supported by data from Stop Smoking Services, which show that quit attempts involving vaping products in 2020 and 2021 had the highest success rates. Additionally, vaping is associated with significantly lower exposure to harmful substances compared to smoking. Biomarker studies have shown that vaping leads to a reduced risk of cancer, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions, making it a safer alternative (OHID, 2022).
Nicotine e-cigarettes are also recognized as one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. A Cochrane Review (2023) supports this by highlighting the high success rates of nicotine e-cigarettes in helping smokers quit. Moreover, there is no good evidence to suggest that second-hand vapor from e-cigarettes poses any harm to bystanders (Cancer Research UK, 2024), which further supports their safety relative to traditional cigarettes.
The positive impact of vaping extends beyond health. Nearly 4.5 million adults in Great Britain have used e-cigarettes to help reduce or quit smoking (ASH, 2023). For many, vaping offers significant financial benefits as well. The average smoker could save at least £1,000 annually by switching to vaping, providing a disposable income boost of more than 10% in certain UK regions (Adam Smith Institute, 2022).
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports vaping as a safer and more effective alternative to smoking. It not only helps reduce smoking rates but also offers smokers a chance to improve their health, save money, and enjoy a more sustainable, smoke-free lifestyle.
Start Vaping, Stop Smoking plan
Step 1: Understanding your smoking habits
Understanding your smoking habits, lifestyle choices and health goals is essential information for health professional, stop-smoking and vape specialists to give you customised advice on the best course of action to quit smoking.
This advice includes the types of vapes, flavours and nicotine strengths, as well as other quitting methods to potentially use alongside vaping.
Step 2: Types of vape devices
Seeking advice on the right type of vape device is critical. It’s important to ensure your choice of device is easy to use, satisfies your nicotine craving and fits in with your daily routine.
Additionally, vaping aids in addressing the physical habits linked to smoking. As the user inhales vapour, an e-cigarette simulates the action and sensation of smoking, unlike nicotine gum or patches. For many people, the physical component of stopping is a big obstacle. The likelihood of successfully quitting smoking can be greatly increased by using a device that simulates smoking and can be used at the times when you would normally take a smoke break. Therefore, it’s important that the vape device you choose fits your needs.
Step 3: Nicotine levels
As with e-cigarette devices, advice on the right level of nicotine concentration is crucial. It is important to ensure that your nicotine intake closely mirrors the same level delivered when smoking.
You can then reduce the level of nicotine over time, therefore quitting not just cigarettes, but nicotine too.
Step 4: Know your flavour options
Flavours play a key role in supporting smokers to quit and stay quit. All vapers who have switched from smoking are different and you should be open to trying different flavours – this is part of your quitting journey.
According to ASH, in 2023 the most popular flavours were: Fruit (47%), tobacco (14%), menthol (17%), other (22%).
It’s common to think that starting with a tobacco flavour is the way to go, and for some vapers, this is indeed the best choice. However, many soon realise that they didn’t smoke for the flavour, leading them to explore other options like menthols, fruit blends, or dessert-inspired flavours.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours and mix it up from time to time. This variety will not only make your vaping experience more enjoyable, but will also help keep you motivated to pick up your vape instead of going back to smoking.
Step 5: Remember, every cigarette not smoked is a win
Don’t worry if you don’t feel you are progressing on your quitting journey as quickly as you’d like – just remember that stopping smoking is not a race to the finish line and every step away from cigarettes is a victory.
Don’t be tempted to give up vaping if your body has an initial reaction such as craving for more nicotine or experiencing headaches. It might be as simple as needing to tweak the nicotine concentration up or down.
Planning is key. Using the right products, whether it be an e-cigarette, or a combination of vaping and nicotine pouches, and getting regular support makes all the difference.
#VapingWorks
“I smoked for 15 years and I started vaping 5 years ago and it’s been great. I think I’m a bit healthier, I feel healthier and my breath smells better. Vaping has helped me cut down on smoking a lot, I haven’t bought any rolling tobacco or cigarettes since. Vaping has worked for me.” – Henry, 2023
“I started smoking in 2007-2008, so a good 15 years ago. I’ve spent the last 3 years mostly off cigarettes, I buy disposable vapes, I buy the refills, and I haven’t really looked back!
I’m very close to giving up tobacco, I’ve weaned myself right down to the point where I now only smoke a few cigarettes a week – mostly if I’m down the pub with friends and they have it. I try not to carry tobacco on myself, which helps me avoid temptation, but I’ve always got my vape on me.
Vaping has helped me. Definitely.” – Oliver, 2023
Vaping’s Importance in Smoking Cessation and Preventing Smoking Relapse
Recently, the University College London (UCL) conducted a study which revealed that one in five people who have successfully quit smoking for more than a year, now use e-cigarettes.
Published in the BMC Medicine Journal and funded by Cancer Research UK, the study explored the rising prevalence of vaping in England, particularly focusing on its role in smoking cessation. The findings indicated that the increase was largely driven by the growing use of e-cigarettes as a tool for quitting smoking.
The study also highlighted an interesting treat: the uptake of vaping was not limited to current smokers trying to quit, but also included individuals who had already quit smoking. Among those who vaped, it was estimated that one in ten had stopped smoking prior to 2011, when e-cigarettes started gaining popularity. Some of these individuals had been smoke-free for years before they turned to vaping, suggesting that vaping may also play a role in preventing relapse into smoking.
The study analysed survey data from over 50,000 adults in England who had either quit smoking or attempted to quit, collected between October 2013 and May 2024. This data underscores the importance of e-cigarettes not only as a cessation aid but also as a potential tool in long-term relapse prevention for former smokers.
Dr Sarah Jackson, lead author of the study from the UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said:
The general increase in vaping among ex-smokers is in line with what we might expect, given the increasing use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts. NHS guidance is that people should not rush to stop vaping after quitting smoking, but to reduce gradually to minimise the risk of relapse.
Previous studies have shown that a substantial proportion of people who quit smoking with the support of an e-cigarette continue to vape for many months or years after their successful quit attempt.
Linking these findings to the broader context of smoking cessation and relapse prevention, the study highlights how vaping can help support smokers who are trying to quit by offering a less harmful alternative that still addresses their nicotine cravings.
Furthermore, for those who have successfully quit smoking, vaping might serve as a safeguard against relapse, providing a satisfying, enjoyable alternative that reduces the temptation to return to smoking traditional cigarettes. This suggests that e-cigarettes could play a significant role in both initial cessation efforts and in maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle over time.
ELQD ECIGS VApril Deals 2025
Since its launch, VApril has helped thousands of smokers across the UK attempt to quit cigarette smoking for good. So this month, here at ELQD ECIGS, we’re offering 2 limited time deals to help anyone influenced by VApril to give it a go!
Deal 1: 20% off all Vape Kits
Tired of using disposables and ready for a starter kit? With a wide variety to choose from across OXVA and Vaporesso, as well 20% off all vape kits this month, why not take the plunge this month?
Or are you ready for a new vape? Treat yourself to a wee upgrade with an extra bit of saving this VApril!
Deal 2: 3 for £20 Legal Big Puffs
Including brands such as:
With over 50 flavours to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Mix & match across the brands or stock up on all of your favourites!
Don’t miss out on these amazing deals all throughout April, ending when our shutters go down on Wednesday, the 30th! What are you waiting for?
Kickstart your smoke-free journey this VApril with us at ELQD ECIGS, where we’ve got all the tools, guidance, and support you need to make the change for good. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, we’re with you every step of the way. Join us now and let’s make this the month you break free from smoking for good!
