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Big response to anti-cancer jab advice

Dec 22 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HEALTH experts say 93% of 12-13-year-old girls in Halton have received their first dose of vaccine against cervical cancer.

And the second round of jabs is now under way, with 63% receiving the follow-up dose.

The vaccine, which protects against the two main HPV viruses which cause up to three-quarters of cervical cancer, is delivered in three doses over a six month period and is currently aimed at Year 8 girls.

The programme aims to vaccinate every girl aged 12-18 by the end of 2011, despite the jabs being voluntary.

Experts are stressing that the vaccine Cervarix has been clinically proven to be safe and effective against HPV type 16 and 18 which cause 70% of cervical cancer.

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