Schoolgirls to get 'cancer jab'

The HPV virus can cause cancer

A vaccination programme will begin in Guernsey in the autumn to protect teenage girls against the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Health and Social Services said it could prevent more than two-thirds of cases in the Bailiwick.

Most cases are caused by longstanding infection with certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be sexually transmitted.

The vaccine offers the opportunity of preventing the cancer developing.

Director of Public Health, Dr David Jeffs, said provided sufficient supplies arrive in the island in time, school nurses will begin administering the vaccine to all schoolgirls in year 8 (12-13-year-olds) at the start of the autumn term.

Debbie Pittman, schools nursing services manager, said details would be handed out for girls and parents, with school nurses and health educators available to answer questions before consent was obtained.

The vaccination programme will be run in parallel with the UK.