New vaccine for girls to help combat cervical cancer

Who is eligible and when will it be available:

The annual routine HPV vaccination programme will be introduced for girls aged 12 to 13 years (school year 8) from autumn this year.

A 3-year catch-up programme will start from autumn 2008 and will offer the vaccine to other older girls aged 13-18*:

• Girls/young women aged 17 – 18 years (school year 13) will be offered the vaccine in the 2008/09 school year
• Girls aged 16-18 years (school years 12 and 13) will be offered the vaccine in the 2009/10 school year
• Girls aged 15-17 years (school years 11 and 12) will be offered the vaccine in the 2010/11 school year

*the catch up programme includes all girls born between 1st September 1990 and 31st August 1995 inclusive. The timing of the catch up programme may vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Is it compulsory?

The vaccine is not compulsory – consent will be needed prior to the vaccination. For 12-13 year olds it is most likely that a consent form signed by a parent or guardian will need to be supplied before the vaccine is given. 17-18 year old girls are legally able to consent for themselves, but are encouraged to discuss the vaccine with their parents. Your daughter's school or local NHS will provide more information to girls and their parents/guardians before the vaccination is due.

Does this mean an end to cervical screening?

No. The NHS cervical screening programme will continue after the introduction of the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination protects against over 70% of cancer-causing HPV types and does not protect against all cervical cancers. Therefore it is vital that all women decide to go for cervical screening from the age of 25 whether or not they've had the HPV vaccine.

The cervical screening programme screens more than three million each year and saves up to 4,500 lives a year in England. It will continue to be an essential part of our strategy to combat cervical cancer.

For more information and advice visit www.nhs.uk/hpv or call the HPV information line on 0845 602 3303*.

*Available in England and Wales. Calls cost a maximum of 5 pence per minute from a BT landline. Mobiles and other networks may vary. You may be charged a minimum cost per call.

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