Chance to have cancer jab runs out next month
Time is running out for young women to arm themselves against cervical cancer.
Under a government catch-up programme the NHS in Portsmouth can offer the three-jab HPV vaccine only to girls born between September 1, 1990, and August 31, 1991, if they start the course before the end of August.
Women who have the jab will still need cervical screening once they reach 25.
But they will have reduced the risk from the most common cause of the disease which claimed the life of 27-year-old reality TV star Jade Goody in March.
The jab protects against strains 16 and 18 of the virus – which are spread through sexual contact and cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancers. The virus can be symptomless and can cause cervical cancer in later life.
Angie Fudge, school nurse and HPV lead at the NHS trust, said: 'We've invested in an extensive advertising campaign across the city to make sure girls know they are entitled to this vaccine and that it can prevent 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
'We are pleased with the uptake so far – around half of these older girls in the city have started the course – but we don't want anyone to unknowingly miss out.
'Some of the older girls are concerned that the vaccine won't work if they are sexually active but the vast majority of young women will still benefit greatly from the vaccination.
'Your GP will need to order the vaccine so it's important that you make an appointment as soon as possible.
'Call up your surgery and tell them that you want to start your HPV jabs.'
From this September, girls born after September 1, 1991, can start their vaccines.
For girls who will be in year 10 or 11 a catch-up programme will take place in school run by school nurses.
School leavers will receive an invitation from their GP to book an appointment or attend a clinic.
Girls in Year 8 at school will continue to be offered the jab.
HPV VACCINE
The HPV vaccine consists of three jabs given during a six-month period to stop the Human Papilloma Virus from developing.
It can help prevent 70 per cent of the most common cervical cancers.
Medics say it is the most effective if it is given before girls are sexually active.
The vaccine will not work against viruses if they are already in the body.
It is not compulsory and girls can opt out.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
