Routine immunization of all school girls aged 12 to 13 against cancer was launched by Department of Health in United Kingdom. NHS will vaccinate all girls between 12 -13 years to prevent most cases of cervical cancer in women. The sexually transmitted virus, HPV is main cause for Cervical Cancer. The vaccine has been very effective as per records of Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunization (JCVI). The vaccine is good against human papilloma virus (HPV) and can help to prevent 70% cases of cervical cancer.

The vaccination programme, starting from September 2008, is estimated to save 400 lives per year. It will cost £100m each year and £400m to apply a catch-up programme to cover girls under 16. The government hasn’t decided to cover older women under the current NHS initiative. Only girls will be vaccinated under the programme. The vaccine is not effective in sexually active girls once they are infected, so the best plan will be to offer it before sexual exposure.

In a statement Alan Johnson, health secretary said, “Now more than ever before we need to make the NHS a service that prevents ill health and prioritizes keeping people well. Prevention is always better than cure and this vaccine will prevent many women from catching the human papilloma virus in the first place.”

The vaccine is most effective when given before the sexual activity starts. However, it may still offer benefit to women aged 25 and older, depending on their sexual activity level and exposure to virus. The virus can even develop into cancer of vulva or anus. In very few cases it has even caused cancer of penis and mouth. The virus is easily transmissible. Private clinics are offering the vaccination at a much higher price. The cost is £500 for course of three doses.

As per records 831 lives were claimed by the disease in year 2006.

Photo Credits: UNSW Embryology Department.