The HPV vaccine
CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the womb. The virus called the Human Papilloma Virus causes it. In the UK around 1000 women die from cervical cancer each year.
HOW HPV CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER
HPV is spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most girls will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it. Most of the time the body's immune system clears it up, but not always. This is why the vaccine is so important. In your teenage years is the best time to have the vaccine.
HAVING THE IMMUNISATION
During the next three years all 13 ?Äì17 year olds will be invited to have the vaccine. You will need three injections over a period of six months to get the best protection. It is given into your upper arm. If you are still in school it will be the school nurse that gives you it. If you are under 16 years of age your parents will be asked to sign the consent form.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of the immunisation are quite mild mostly just soreness of your arm, which soon wears off. Trials of the drug have shown it is very safe. You cannot get the HPV infection from having the vaccine. Rarely there can be an allergic reaction such as a rash or itching of parts of the body. The nurse giving you the injection will be fully trained to deal with this situation.
SEXUAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
If you have been sexually active, there is a possibility that you may have already been infected with HPV. However, if this is the case it wont be known which type of HPV you have and it is still recommended that you have the vaccine. The HPV vaccine will not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections. It is not recommended if you are pregnant.
Useful Websites (if applicable)
http://www.fightcervicalcancer.org.uk