Cervical cancer vaccines for all girls

Cervical cancer vaccine | HPV vaccine | Cervical cancer jab

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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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Clo, about 1 month

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

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Lauren, about 1 month

i has it done yesterday and it still hurts :(

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Kirsty, about 1 month

I Just Had My Cervical Cancer Jab Done Yesterday I Nearly Fainted :O , Its Hurts Still But ITs Better Than Dying !! :) x

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Gemma, about 1 month

My Arm Is Actually Fine. It Ached A Little Bit Yesterday When I First Had It Done But I'm Fine Now.

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ellie, 12 months

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?