Schoolgirls offered 'cancer jab'

HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer

Schoolgirls in the south of Essex are to be offered immunisation against cervical cancer.

This autumn all 12 to 13-year-olds in Basildon, Wickford, Billericay and Thurrock will be offered the new human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination.

The jab helps protect youngsters against the virus, which is one of the most common causes of cervical cancer.

South West Essex Primary Care Trust will send information packs to parents about the vaccination.

It will explain how the vaccine - which comes in a course of three injections over six months - can protect against cancer of the cervix.

The letter will also give details of where and when the vaccination will be given.

'Reduce risk'

Dr Arun Patel, from South West Essex PCT, said: "Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women.

"The HPV vaccination programme offers young women an important opportunity to reduce their risk of getting cervical cancer.

"The vaccination can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70%."

Last year the government announced that schoolgirls in Britain would be vaccinated against HPV from September 2008.