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The HPV Vaccine |
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Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Pappiloma Virus or HPV. Around 1,000 women die from cervical cancer each year in the UK.
There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cervical cancer. The virus is very common and you can catch it by being sexually active with another person who already has the virus. Most people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it, as there are usually no symptoms. In most cases the virus does not cause cancer as it is killed off by the body's immune system.
The HPV vaccine protects against the two types of virus which cause over 70% of the cases of cervical cancer. It does not protect you against all of the other types of HPV, so you will still need to have regular cervical smears at the appropriate age.
The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 12-13 years to give protection as early as possible. Having the vaccine won't protect you against other sexually transmitted infections and it won't provide contraception.
Three injections within 12 months provide the best protection. It is important to complete the course. From September 2008 the school nursing service will offer HPV vaccine to all year 9 girls in Northern Ireland. There will be a catch up campaign so that all girls up to 18 will be offered the vaccine by 2011.
The HPV vaccine is given in the upper arm. It is safe for almost everyone and side effects are rare and usually mild.
More information can be found at www.helpprotectyourself.info
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Dr E Coulter |
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