BRITAIN 1 September 2008 Cervical cancer vaccine to be given to all school girls aged 12 and 13  

The British government announced that all schoolgirls aged 12 to 13 will be immunized against cervical cancer starting in Sep 2008. A catch-up program for other age groups will start a year later. The vaccine protects against human papilloma virus (HPV) and trials show it can prevent at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

The government is negotiating prices with Gardasil, made by Merck, and Cervarix, made by GSK, which have licensed the vaccine. Only one will be chosen. In the United States fears have been raised over the safety of Gardasil after it was revealed that the drug has been linked to several deaths. The jab is also suspected of triggering "adverse reactions" in 1,700 patients.

The vaccine is most effective if given before sexual activity starts, according to the Independent, which reported the story, but evidence shows it may still be of benefit to women aged 25 and older, depending on their level of sexual activity and exposure to the virus.

Most women infected with HPV clear the virus quickly, but in some it becomes chronic, and can cause changes in the mucous membrane of the cervix, leading to cancer up to 20 years later.

The government decision on the initiative followed a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - the expert group which advises the UK health departments. Oct/07

RELATED READING:

Cervical cancer vaccine to be given to all girls 12 - 13 (Independent 27 Oct 2007)
http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article3101929.ece

Cervical cancer drug Gardasil linked to deaths (Telegraph 29 Oct 2007)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/29/njab129.xml