New vaccine for girls to help combat cervical cancer

From autumn 2008, the NHS will introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to arm girls against cervical cancer. This revolutionary vaccine will save the lives of an estimated 400 women a year

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women worldwide (particularly in countries which do not have a national screening programme) and there are around 3,000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and around 1,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer each year in the UK.

Girls aged 12 to 13 years will be offered the HPV vaccine in school year 8 from this autumn. Three injections will be needed over a period of about six months. Over the next three years, the vaccine will also be offered to other girls aged 13 to 18*, starting this year with girls aged 17 to 18.

* This includes all girls born between 1st September 1990 and 31st August 1995 inclusive.

What is HPV and how can it lead to cervical cancer?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer. The others are harmless or cause conditions like genital warts. Infection by HPV is common and at least half of all sexually active women are infected by a strain of genital HPV in their lifetimes. HPV is transmitted through intimate sexual contact including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse.

Most infections clear by themselves, but in some people the infection can persist. Although HPV infection is usually symptom free, it can damage the lining of the cervix. Persistent infection can cause abnormalities of the cervix, which, if left undetected and untreated, can cause cervical cancer. Two particular strains of HPV, types 16 & 18, cause over 70% of all cervical cancers in the UK.

What is the HPV vaccination and is it safe?

The HPV vaccine will help protect against cervical cancer. The recommended age of the routine yearly vaccination is 12-13 years, as vaccination will provide best protection if given before girls become sexually active. Vaccination is still strongly recommended for girls who have already been sexually active, as it may protect against cervical cancer for the future.

A schools-based delivery programme has been recommended for 12-13 years old girls (those in year 8). For the older girls aged 17 and 18, vaccination is likely to be offered by their local GP surgery. The vaccine is given by injection into the arm and three doses are necessary over approximately six months for best protection. It is important to complete the course and have all three doses. Data from the clinical trials of the HPV vaccines demonstrate that protection lasts for at least six years but is expected to be much longer lasting.

The vaccine is safe and has undergone rigorous safety testing as part of the licensing process required to be used in the UK and other European countries. Detailed safety testing through extensive pre-clinical testing and in clinical trials is a requirement for licensing.

As with other vaccines, side effects such as a sore arm, redness and minor swelling at the site of injection and a mild temperature may occur. We are not aware of any serious adverse side-effects as a result of having the vaccine.

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