Cancer jab shot in arm for schools

AN immunisation programme to protect teenage girls from cervical cancer is now well under way in Oldham’s schools.

All 12 and 13-year-old female pupils at Blue Coat and Royton and Crompton have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with other schools set to follow.

Later this year, the vaccine will also be offered to 17 and 18-year-olds. Those currently aged 14-16 will be vaccinated in 2010 and 2011. The programme means all schoolgirls currently aged between 12 and 18 will have been immunised by the end of 2011.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “We are pleased so many girls in Oldham have had the vaccination already. The HPV vaccine protects against two viruses that cause 70 per cent of cervical cancers, so it is very important for girls to take up the offer of immunisation.

“It could save their lives. The HPV vaccine provides best protection when given to girls at ages 12 or 13, before they have been exposed to the virus.

“Vaccination will spare many women from uncomfortable investigation and treatment.

“However, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cervical cancers, it will be still be essential for vaccinated schoolgirls to accept invitations for cervical screening when they are old enough to become eligible for them.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. The disease killed 440 North-West women between 2003 and 2006.

New cases of cervical cancer fell by 42 per cent between 1988 and 1997 in England and Wales — the fall is directly related to the national cervical screening programme.

The cancer is caused when the HPV virus gets into the surface cells of the cervix where it can stay for several years without causing any harm. Then, for no apparent reason, it may start to cause damage to those cells.

Cervical screening in adults is designed to detect cell changes so that they may be treated before cancer develops. If these cell changes are left untreated, cancer may result.

The vaccine will be given in three doses over six months but it is not compulsory. For more information visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/HPV/HPV