Cervical cancer jab: Third dose this spring
If your daughter has had the first two doses of the cervical cancer vaccine, it's nearly time for her to have the final jab.
Just last week Jade Goody tragically died of cervical cancer. The good news for young girls today is they have more ways, as well as smear tests, of protecting themselves against the disease.
Since its launch in September 2008, 78% of year 8 girls have had the first stage of the vaccination. Making sure your daughter has all 3 doses of the vaccine will mean she has the best protection available against the disease.
Why is the cervical cancer jab in the news again?
The jab is a 3 stage vaccination, rather than a one-off jab. It's coming up to the time for girls to have the third dose and doctors are worried that some girls might miss their jab if they're off school of they forget about their appointment.
Missing the third jab would mean those girls wouldn't have the best protection against cervical cancer.
Who needs this jab?
Any girl who had the first cervical cancer jab should have also had the second (a month or two later), and will soon need the third (6 months after the first).
All 12 and 13-year-old girls were offered it - usually at their school. Girls aged 13-18 were also offered the jab, mostly from their GP, as part of a catch-up programme.
How common is cervical cancer?
It's the second most common cancer for women worldwide.
Every year in the UK there are around 3000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and around 1000 deaths. Jade Goody recently made us realise how much of a risk it really is.
How does the jab work?
70% of cervical cancers are caused by 2 strains of the HPV virus, which can be caught through sexual contact - even if you use a condom. The vaccination will protect against these 2 strains.
Will girls who have the jabs still need to go for cervical screening?
Yes. They will still need to go for smear tests when they're older, as the jab doesn't protect against all cervical cancers.
What should I do if my daughter has missed the jab?
Contact the school nurse or your local primary care trust to arrange for the jab to be given.
What about the side effects?
As with all vaccinations there can be some minor side effects such as dizziness, sickness, mild swelling and redness where the injection was given.
What do the experts say?
David Salisbury, Director of immunisation for the Department of Health, says: 'Our HPV vaccine is safe.'
He added that side effects of the jab are very rare, and said there are very few reasons not to get all three stages of the vaccination.
Last week's news: Breast cancer is linked to a bad diet in childhood
Where to next?
- Cervical cancer
- How Jade's cancer developed
- Jade's life on film
- More information on Jade Goody and cervical cancer
- Jade's life in pictures: See our gallery of some of her most memorable moments
- Top tips for healthy teens
- How to build your teen's self esteem
- How to discuss issues with your teen
More information
Visit the NHS immunisation website
By Katie McPhilimy
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Where to next?
-
Cervical cancer jab: Is it safe?
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Cervical cancer vaccines for all girls
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Concern for Jade as cancer spreads
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Jade Goody's legacy
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Jade Goody's life on film
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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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What happens when cancer spreads?
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What Jade's cancer battle can teach us
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Cervical cancer
