The NHS Lothian school nurse team is offering the third dose of the HPV immunisation to teenage girls in schools across Lothian from the beginning of this month.
The HPV vaccination program, which started in Scotland in 2008, aims to protect girls from developing cervical cancer. The vaccine protects against the four strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which account for 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer can occur at any age, however it is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35 in the UK.
Lorna Willocks, Immunisation Co-ordinator, NHS Lothian said: “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the most dangerous strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
“It is crucial that young women have all three vaccinations and also attend for their cervical screen appointments to ensure they have the best protection for the future”.
Teenage girls in S2 will be offered the final dose of the vaccine in March as part of the school immunisation programme. Young women and their parents, are urged to ensure they complete the course of immunisations to protect against cervical cancer.
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