Cervical cancer vaccines for all girls
All 12 and 13 year old girls will now be offered a jab to protect them against cervical cancer.
What is the cervical cancer vaccine?
Over the next 3 years, more than 2 million girls between the ages of 12-18 will have been offered the HPV vaccine. This will protect against two strains of the HPV virus, which causes over 70% of cases of cervical cancer.
Why has this vaccine been introduced?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women - around 1,000 women die from it each year in the UK - and this vaccine will aim to save up to 400 lives every year.
How will my daughter be given the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is given as a course of three doses over 6 months
Where do girls get the vaccine?
Most will get the jab at school, while older girls can get it at their local doctor's surgery.
Do girls have to have the vaccine?
Not at all. The vaccine is not compulsory and all mums and daughters should discuss it thoroughly before deciding.
Is the vaccine safe?
It's been tested thoroughly, although the manufacturer does point out there a few side-effects, including fainting, dizzyness and sore arms.
Why would someone choose not to have the vaccine?
Critics say that although cervical cancer is common worldwide, the number of cases is very small in the UK, because we have such a good screening programme.
All women from the ages of 25-64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every 3-5 years.
Some experts also point out that there's still a 30% chance that women will get cervical cancer through another strain not covered by the HPV vaccine.
They also warn that some girls may feel safe because they've had the vaccine and ignore the screening programme.
How do I find out more about it?
Your daughter's school will give you more information before the vaccination, or the NHS website or call the dedicated HPV vaccination line on 0845 602 3303
More help and advice
- Get all the facts about cervical cancer
- Read Jade Goody's battle with cervical cancer
- After care tips for cervical cancer
- Read Sara's story on how she survived cervical cancer
- NHS website
By Rob Mansfield
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Where to next?
-
Jade Goody's legacy
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Cervical cancer
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Cervical cancer jab: Is it safe?
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What Jade's cancer battle can teach us
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Smear test confusion after Jade's death
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What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
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Concern for Jade as cancer spreads
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What happens when cancer spreads?
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Jade Goody's life on film
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Cervical cancer jab: Third dose this spring
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What is cancer?
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
sophie, 2 months
had my 3rd cancer jab done on tuesday at 11.20 and my arm is still killing and its red :( wth a bump :(
Report this commentLizzie, 3 months
i had my jab last friday (: it was all KOOL, only a little ache, but its ok the next day, so dont worry about it. x
Report this commentmegan, 3 months
i had mine last week (ish) i was so scared me and my bf had to wait until they nurses had finished and then when i had it i felt stupid! i doesn't hurt atall!
Report this commentClo, 6 months
Ello,, ;) Im Haviin The Jab Tomoz =/ A Few People Have Diied So I Worriied =/ But Den I Found Outt Thtt She Had A Bad Health Problem,, Noww I Kindaa Okaii Bout It Tbh Dnt Worii Ma Fellow Girlliis,, ;) x
Report this commentKirsty, 6 months
I Just Had My Cervical Cancer Jab Done Yesterday I Nearly Fainted :O , Its Hurts Still But ITs Better Than Dying !! :) x
Report this commentGemma, 6 months
My Arm Is Actually Fine. It Ached A Little Bit Yesterday When I First Had It Done But I'm Fine Now.
Report this commentellie, about 1 year
i've just had my second jab and my arm has swollen and is very red and tender is it ok or has something weny wrong?
Report this commentJade, about 1 year
Im 13 and i want this jab but i hope it dont hurt but ill go though the pain just to stop getting cervical cancer.
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EEBIRD, 2 months
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii I had 2nd my injection today and loads of girls were crying but it dont really hurt. EXCEPT for the last one. the second one kind of hurts and i felt the stuff going in.
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