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Cervical cancer vaccine
Sussex Community NHS Trust is reminding girls to have their third and final dose of the cervical cancer vaccine.
Cervical cancer affects more than 2,000 women in England each year and is responsible for around 800 deaths. It occurs in the cervix and is caused by the human papilloma virus. The HPV vaccine protects women from two types of this virus that together cause around 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
Sussex Community NHS Trust runs a vaccination programme across all state and independent secondary schools in the area and nearly 5,000 girls across West Sussex and Brighton and Hove aged 12 and 13 have received the first two doses of the HPV vaccine since September last year.
To complete their course and be protected against the two types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), these girls must now have the final injection.
Rosanna Raven, Sussex Community NHS Trust’s immunisation specialist nurse, said: “This is a very important vaccine – cervical cancer can kill and this vaccine protects against the viruses responsible for most cases of it. Together with regular cervical screening, it will help protect girls for life.
“Girls need to have three injections over six months to get the best protection. We urge those who have already had the first two doses of the vaccine to complete the course and have this final one. Parents can discuss any aspect of the vaccination programme with their daughter’s school nurse.”
School nurses will start this third and final round of vaccination sessions in schools in March. There will be sessions in community clinics across West Sussex and Brighton and Hove for any girls who have missed a dose in school or for those that do not attend school.
All girls in Years 8 to 11 who have not had the full vaccination course can join the schools’ programme. Older girls who are in years 12 and 13 should contact their GP surgery.
Appointments can be made at community clinics. Those living in West Sussex can contact their child’s school nurse or the HPV Central Office on: 01243 812533.
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
