The routine vaccination protects against two strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) which cause over 70 per cent of cases of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide. HPV is transmitted by sexual contact.
From this autumn, young teenage girls aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) will be offered the vaccine as part of the annual HPV vaccination programme, which is estimated to save up to 400 lives every year.
A three year “catch-up programme” will also start this autumn for older girls aged 13 to 18 years, starting with 17 to 18 year-olds (school year 13). By July 2011, over two million girls will have been offered the HPV vaccine. Three doses of the vaccine which protects against HPV types 16 and 18, are needed over a six-month period.
The vaccine may be less effective in girls who have long-term illnesses or severe allergies so if you have any doubts, discuss them with your GP. A parent may withold consent for a daughter to be vaccinated up until the age of 16, then the decision is up to the teenager.
There is an excellent information site www.nhs.uk/hpv or call the HPV information line on 0845 602 3303 if you would like to discuss any issues.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo commented:
"Our policy to vaccinate girls against cervical cancer is one of the biggest public health campaigns in recent history. This vaccine will save lives, and will reduce the number of women who need to be treated against the early stages of this disease. I encourage everyone who is offered it to take it."
The NHS programme will be delivered through Primary Care Trusts across England working with health professionals, education authorities and schools.
The NHS cervical screening programme plays a vital role in protecting women against cervical cancer. It will continue to after the introduction of the HPV vaccine. It’s important that all women decide to go for cervical screening from the age of 25, whether or not they’ve had the vaccine.