Menu
26/10/2007
Cancer Jab Offered To Schoolgirls
Schoolgirls as young as 12 are to be offered a vaccination against a sexually transmitted disease which has been linked to cervical cancer from September 2008.
It is believed that vaccinating girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) before they become sexually active could help reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer.
Research has shown that the virus is one of the key causes of the disease, which kills around 1,000 women each year.
All girls aged 12 - 13 will be eligible for the vaccine, which is a voluntary scheme, and there is the possibility of a catch-up campaign, for older girls, possibly only up to the age of 16 or 18.
Two vaccines have been developed against HPV - Gardasil and Cevarix. Both cost around £300 for three injections given over a six-month period. It has not yet been decided which vaccine will be used.
Routine vaccinations against the virus have already begun in some US states and other European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and Belgium, have already approved a vaccination programme.
The news has been welcomed by cancer charities, however some critics of the scheme have expressed concerns that it could encourage promiscuity.
(KMcA)
It is believed that vaccinating girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) before they become sexually active could help reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer.
Research has shown that the virus is one of the key causes of the disease, which kills around 1,000 women each year.
All girls aged 12 - 13 will be eligible for the vaccine, which is a voluntary scheme, and there is the possibility of a catch-up campaign, for older girls, possibly only up to the age of 16 or 18.
Two vaccines have been developed against HPV - Gardasil and Cevarix. Both cost around £300 for three injections given over a six-month period. It has not yet been decided which vaccine will be used.
Routine vaccinations against the virus have already begun in some US states and other European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and Belgium, have already approved a vaccination programme.
The news has been welcomed by cancer charities, however some critics of the scheme have expressed concerns that it could encourage promiscuity.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2007
Panel approves cervical cancer jab
Girls aged 12 and 13 should be vaccinated against a virus which can cause cervical cancer, a government panel has advised. The Department of Health said that it accepted the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) "in principle". The JCVI said that routine vaccination could begin across the UK in Autumn 2008.
Panel approves cervical cancer jab
Girls aged 12 and 13 should be vaccinated against a virus which can cause cervical cancer, a government panel has advised. The Department of Health said that it accepted the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) "in principle". The JCVI said that routine vaccination could begin across the UK in Autumn 2008.
01 September 2008
School Girls To Receive Cervical Cancer Vaccination
Some of the first girls in Scotland to take part in the anti-cancer HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) immunisation programme will receive their injections today. Schools in Lanarkshire, Grampian, Tayside, Orkney and Western Isles health board areas will be administering the first injections.
School Girls To Receive Cervical Cancer Vaccination
Some of the first girls in Scotland to take part in the anti-cancer HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) immunisation programme will receive their injections today. Schools in Lanarkshire, Grampian, Tayside, Orkney and Western Isles health board areas will be administering the first injections.
05 December 2003
New 'more effective' cervical cancer test developed
A new test has been developed that could provide a "more effective early warning system" for preventing cervical cancer than the traditional smear – according to Cancer Research UK scientists.
New 'more effective' cervical cancer test developed
A new test has been developed that could provide a "more effective early warning system" for preventing cervical cancer than the traditional smear – according to Cancer Research UK scientists.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
04 April 2003
Cervical cancer risk link to contraceptive pill
Women who take the contraceptive pill may increase their risk of cervical cancer, according to a major new study published in the Lancet today.
Cervical cancer risk link to contraceptive pill
Women who take the contraceptive pill may increase their risk of cervical cancer, according to a major new study published in the Lancet today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
