New vaccine protects girls from cervical cancer

Cases of cervical cancer could be cut by nearly three-quarters in Rochdale thanks to a new vaccination programme.

The HPV, or human papillomavirus vaccine, is being offered to all girls aged 12 to 13. Parents of the 1,210 eligible girls in the area received information about the vaccination in the summer. The safe and tested vaccine will be given in three doses over six months, starting in all high schools over the next few months.

The vaccine protects against the two types of HPV which cause more than 70% of cervical cancers.

New cases of cervical cancer have been falling for years thanks to the national cervical cancer screening programme, however, HPV vaccination may help to reduce the number of women who die from cervical cancer in years to come. It is important that the vaccine course is completed.

In July 2008, the Department of Health announced girls aged 17-18, who would have missed out having the vaccination, will now be eligible and be offered it from September 2008. Girls aged 15 to 18 will be offered the HPV vaccine in a two year catch-up programme which will start in 2009/10. It has been shown that the vaccine provides the best protection if it is given at ages 12 to 13.

There are more than 100 types of HPV but only 13 that cause cancer. The vaccination protects against two types - 16 and 18 - which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

However, because it doesn’t protect against all HPV viruses, it will be essential that girls, like their mothers, attend for free NHS cervical cancer screening once they are old enough.

The HPV vaccination programme is another important step forward that will benefit the health of women in the Borough for years to come.

Anyone wanting more information about the local HPV vaccination programme can contact their School Health Practitioner or Practice Nurse (School Nurse)

Further information is also available at www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/HPV/HPV