The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

The Human Papillomavirus vaccine is aimed at young girls between the ages of 12 and 13. This is a much longed-for opportunity to protect our young women before they get involved in a physically intimate relationship. The new Human Papillomavirus Vaccine programme will commence in Lockerbie Academy in September 2009. Here are just a few bits of information that may answer some questions:

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer affects the cervix – the entrance to the womb. This cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV, which is spread from one person to another during sexual activity. There are over 100 types of Human Papilloma viruses but only 13 of these are know to cause cervical cancer and just two – types 16 and 18 cause over 70% of the cases.

Why should I be concerned about my daughter getting cervical cancer?

The HPV virus is very common and is easily spread by sexual activity. As much as half the population will be infected at some time in their life. Although most girls don’t start having sex until after 16 years of age, it is important that they get this protection early enough and a good time is in their early teenage years – getting the vaccine now will protect them in the future. It is recommended that they have the vaccination at 12 to 13 years of age to get the most benefit from the vaccine. Having the vaccine reduces the risk of your daughter getting cervical cancer by over 70%.

Does the vaccine protect against other sexually transmitted infections?

HPV vaccine does not protect against other infections spread during sex, such as Chlamydia, nor will it stop your daughter getting pregnant, so it’s still very important that your daughter gets safer sex messages at the appropriate time.

Will being infected with HPV cause cancer in someone who hasn’t had the vaccination?

Most women who get infected with HPV do not get cervical cancer. Women usually do not even know they have been infected because they have no symptoms. Nowadays, most women are regularly tested (screened) to see if they have any signs of infection, seen as changes to the lining of the cervix that could lead to cancer. These regular tests are often called ‘smear tests’. The vaccine protects against the two types of virus that cause most cervical cancer but it doesn’t protect against all HPV viruses, therefore it will be essential for your daughter to have regular screening once she is old enough.

Will our GP know that our daughter has had the HPV vaccination?

Information about the HPV vaccination will be transferred to your GP’s surgery so it can be entered onto your daughter’s health record.

Will there be any side effects?

The side effects are quite mild – usually just stinging and soreness in the arm that soon wears off. The vaccine meets the rigorous safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries.

What if my daughter is off school ill on the day of the vaccination?

The nurse will try to arrange for her to be offered the vaccine at another time.

What is she doesn’t want to have the vaccination?

She does not have to have to have it, if she doesn’t want to. But it is recommended that she does for the reasons given. Having the vaccination now will protect her for many years. Suggest she speaks to the nurse or doctor if she wants more information, on her own, or with you, if she’d prefer.

What if she wants the vaccination but, as her parents, you would rather she didn’t have it?

You should discuss this with your daughter, the doctor or nurse to get more information. The decision is legally hers as long as she understands the issues in giving consent but it is unlikely the injection will be given without your consent. It is important for your daughter’s future to appreciate that having the vaccination now will protect her from the most common cause of cervical cancer for many years to come.

For further information please contact your GP or Vivienne, School Nurse on 01576 202626 or go onto the web site at www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv.

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