Starting this month, the vaccine which protects against the two strains of the virus that cause around 70% of cervical cancer cases will be routinely offered to girls aged 12-13 in schools across Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the programme in St Joseph’s College, Belfast, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: “Cervical cancer kills around 40 women every year in Northern Ireland and touches the lives of many more. The HPV vaccine is a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer and will help prevent young women from developing a potentially deadly disease.
“Girls aged 12-13 will be offered the vaccine this autumn, while a catch-up programme will make the vaccine available to girls aged 13-18 over the next three years. Health and Social Care Trusts across Northern Ireland will work with their local education authorities and schools to implement the programme. Parents will shortly be receiving, if they have not already, information about when the vaccination programme will commence in their child's school.
"Ultimately this vaccination programme is about saving lives and preventing the suffering, distress and anxiety caused by cancer. I would encourage all parents to give consent for their child to have the vaccine. However, if they do have any concerns they can speak to the school health team or their GP.”
In addition to the routine programme, girls aged 17 – 18 (those born between 2 July 1990 and 1 July 1991) will also be able to receive the vaccine through their GP surgery from September 2008. These girls would have otherwise been excluded from the HPV programme, as the school based ‘catch up’ programme aimed at older girls up to the age of 18, will not commence until September 2009.
Notes to Editors:
- Around 1,000 women die from cervical cancer in the UK each year. This cancer is caused by the human papilliomavirus or HPV, which is spread from one person to another during sexual activity (not necessarily sexual intercourse). Both men and women can become infected with this virus. There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of these are known to cause cervical cancer and just two types – types 16 and 18 – cause over 70% of the cases.
- The HPV vaccine will protect against types 16 and 18 which are the two most common types causing cervical cancer. The vaccine won’t protect against the remaining cancer causing types, so it will be vital that in future those who have been vaccinated continue to go for routine cervical screening.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
