Schoolgirls offered 'cancer jab'

The human papillomavirus is sexually-transmitted

Vaccinations against the virus which causes cervical cancer are to be offered to more than 3,000 schoolgirls throughout Cumbria.

The HPV, or human papillomavirus, vaccine, which is given in three doses over six months, is being offered to all 12 and 13-year-old girls.

It protects against the two types of sexually-transmitted HPV which cause more than 70% of cervical cancers.

Health chiefs said 11 women die of cervical cancer each year in Cumbria.

The health programme is being carried out by Cumbria Primary Care Trust.

From August 2009 and lasting for two years, there will also be a catch-up vaccination programme for girls aged 15 - 18.

Health chiefs hope that by 2011 all girls leaving school in the county will be protected against the disease.