Schoolgirls reminded of importance of cancer vaccine (From The Argus)

Schoolgirls reminded of importance of cancer vaccine

9:20am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News By Siobhan Ryan

Schoolgirls across Brighton and Hove are being reminded of the need to have their third dose of the cervical cancer vaccine.

Nurses from Sussex Community NHS Trust (SCT) will start their final round of vaccination sessions in schools around the city from Monday.

Sessions will also be held in community clinics for any girls who have missed a dose in school or for
those that do not attend school.

More than 2,000 women in England each year are affected by cervical cancer and 800 women die.
It occurs in the cervix and is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

The HPV vaccine protects women from two types of this virus that together cause around 70% of cervical cancers.

Rosanna Raven, an immunisation nurse specialist at SCT, said: “This is a very important vaccine – cervical cancer can kill and this vaccine protects against the viruses responsible for most cases of it.

“Together with regular cervical screening, it will help protect girls for life.

“Girls need to have three injections over six months to get the best protection.

“We urge those who have already had the first two doses of the vaccine to complete the course and have this final one.

“Parents can discuss any aspect of the vaccination programme with their daughter’s school nurse.”

For more information about the vaccination, parents can talk to the school nurse, their GP or practice nurse or call 0845 4647.

They can also visit www.nhs.uk/ conditions/hpv-vaccination.

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