Schoolgirls To Get Cancer Jab
Schoolgirls in Britain will be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer from September 2008, ministers have announced. In England the programme will start initially in 12 to 13-year-olds, with plans to vaccinate those up to the age of 18 from autumn 2009.
Some have expressed concerns that providing a jab to protect against a sexually transmitted infection to children at a young age might encourage promiscuity. But parents would have the final say as to whether their child received the injection.
Health secretary Alan Johnson said: “As a society we need to do more to prevent disease and not just treat it. Now, more than ever before, we need to make the NHS a service that prevents ill health and prioritises keeping people well.”
Pamela Morton, director of cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust, said: “It’s exactly what we wanted and it goes beyond our expectations. I’m delighted for young women and their parents.”
25th Oct 2007
