IMMUNISATIONS for 12 and 13 year olds against HPV infection and disease have started up again in the South West – and parents are being encouraged to allow their children to take up the jab.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools were closed and eligible secondary students were unable to receive their routine vaccinations of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These are normally administered at the students’ schools during term time but due to Covid there has been a backlog of school vaccinations.
Cornwall has completed 78% of first dose vaccinations in Year 8 girls, and 67% in Year 8 boys.
This is above the national average in England of Year 8 girls 59% and above Year 8 boys 54%.
Dr Matthew Dominey, Screening and immunisation lead, said: “The infections we’re talking about here can cause very serious illnesses in children, so we’re very pleased that the school aged immunisations are being offered again. We urge all parents and young people to accept their offer when invited: please return your consent forms when they come from your schools. It’s quick and easy and will give lasting protection.”
Once children have received their first dose, there will be a planned interval of between six months and two years between the first and second dose.
Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation, said: “HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses and can cause cancer. They are very common and have no symptoms. We know that the HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer and we would urge all parents and young people to accept their offer of vaccinations when they are invited.”
Estimates suggest that the HPV vaccine programme will lead to the prevention of over 64,000 cervical cancers and nearly 50,000 non-cervical cancers by 2058.
Parents of girls and boys aged 12 and 13 should look out for information from their children’s school about the vaccine and timings for the first and second dose vaccination.