NHS Lothian’s Community Vaccination Team has administered an incredible 5,200 HPV vaccinations in schools across Edinburgh and the Lothians this past month, even with a break over the Easter holidays.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 and HPV is the main cause. A 2018 Scottish study showed that the vaccine has reduced pre-cancerous cervical disease in 20-year-old women by up to 71%.
The prevalence of certain HPV types in 16- to 18-year-old women in England, who were offered vaccination at 12 to 13, was found to have reduced from 15% before the vaccination programme to less than 2% in 2018.
The vaccination also provides vital protection against genital warts and anogenital cancers in both boys and girls. Consent forms were provided to schools earlier this year. Consent is provided for the vaccination course and, once given, covers your child for both doses.
The team began vaccinating at the beginning of April and this year’s programme runs until the end of June. If your child’s form was misplaced or lost, you can contact the school’s office to get another.
If your child has any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to speak to our vaccinators.
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