Walsall teenagers to Arm against Cervical Cancer

A new vaccination that protects against cervical cancer is now available to Walsall teenagers. Girls aged between 17 and 18 do not attend school will receive a letter inviting them to go to their GP for the vaccination. The vaccination stops the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) from developing in the body and therefore protects against the most likely cause of cervical cancer.

Lisa Clarke, Primary Care Nurse Facilitator for NHS Walsall Community Health, said: ‘I am really pleased that this vaccine is available in Walsall and would urge all girls aged 17-18 to ensure they have the course of vaccines. This is the best possible chance to protect themselves from getting cervical cancer in the future.’

The HPV is a course of three vaccinations injected into the arm within six months and the course must be completed in order to get the full protection Girls will be given a card which will record the date of the first injection and future appointment dates. 

Girls aged between 17 and 18 who attend school will be given the vaccination in school as part of a catch up programme throughout 2009.