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Important information about HPV Vaccinations
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12 to 13 against the human papilloma virus (HPV). This age group is usually in year 8 at schools in England.
Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine is also known as the cervical cancer jab.
According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35. In the UK, 2,900 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The vaccination programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that should be given over a period of 12 months.
In the UK, from September 2008 to July 2010, at least 4 million doses were given.
Research has shown that the HPV vaccine provides effective protection for at least six years after completion of the three-dose course. It is not known how long protection will last beyond this time.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name given to a family of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes (mucosa) that line the body.
Go to http://www.nhs.uk for more information.