Cervical cancer jab uptake increases

New figures show that the HPV vaccine programme is one of the most successful in the world with over 76 per cent of girls aged 12-13 having had the full three doses of the vaccine in the second year of the programme with more expected to do so.

The statistics show that 88.8 per cent of 12-13 year old girls across the borough of Rochdale have had all three doses of the vaccine.

91.9 per cent had the first dose of the vaccine and 91.6 percent had the first and second dose.

The figures are based on 1340 12-13 year olds in the vaccine cohort.

Rochdale’s figures are some of the highest in the North West.

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “We’re really encouraged by the HPV vaccination rates here in the borough, which are some of the highest in the region.

“The vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer and is very safe. I’d encourage every girl aged 12 to 18 who hasn’t already had the vaccination or who has not completed the full course to speak to their school, or GP if they have left school - all three doses are needed to ensure maximum protection.

“This year we’ll be targeting Year 8 girls through our schools vaccination programme, so girls and parents can speak to their School Health Practitioner for further details.”

Public Health Minister Anne Milton, who revealed the figures, said: "Being able to help protect young women against this disease is a fantastic development and the uptake is very encouraging.

“But we can always do more. This vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer and will save up to 400 deaths every year in the UK. I would ask every girl between 12 and 18 who has not considered vaccination or who has not completed the full course to speak to their school or GP – all three doses are needed for full protection.”