Parents' Page: HPV Vaccination

Here is our annual remember to parents and our learners that you don’t have to miss out on a very important vaccination. As home schoolers, you may have left school before the routine vaccinations in school took place but you can still have the vaccination free from your local GP’s. So, book an appointment this week if you have missed it.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is a vaccine that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. Available vaccines protect against either two, four or nine types of HPV. All vaccines protect against at least HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer. HPV is the name for a common group of viruses; there are more than 100 types of HPV. Most cervical cancers are caused by infection from a high-risk HPV. The vaccine does not protect against all the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, so women still need to go for regular screening.

The vaccine, given as two injections to girls aged 12 and 13, protects against four types of HPV - 16 and 18, which are linked to more than 70% of cervical cancers - and six and 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts. This protection is a life time thing so when they are ready to marry and settle down they will be protected.

Just because it protects against cervical cancer - it doesn't mean the boys don't need the jab too! The vaccine was offered to the boys last year. So, book your son in too!