New jab will cut cervical cancer

Cervical cancer could be cut by nearly three-quarters in Rochdale, thanks to a new vaccination programme, which starts in the next few weeks, to distribute human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.

It protects against two types of the sexually-transmitted infection, which cause more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

It is being offered to all 12 and 13-year-old girls in school year 8 and girls who are currently aged 17 or 18.

From August 2009 for two years, there will also be a catch-up vaccination programme for girls aged 15 to 18.

Parents of eligible girls in Rochdale will receive information about the vaccination, which will be given in three doses over six months.

Former school nurse Kate Forbes, who now works in a sexual health clinic, has raised fears that there might not be enough school nurses nationally to deliver the jabs.

Writing in the British Journal of School Nursing, she said the local health trusts faced a tough challenge to implement the programme against a backdrop of cost-cutting.

The Department of Health says it has provided £18.9million to PCTs to support the vaccination.

The Government has also rolled out a campaign to encourage girls to have the jab, including online, press, TV and radio advertising and roadshows.