THOUSANDS of teenage girls in Suffolk have been given potentially life-saving protection against cervical cancer.
THOUSANDS of teenage girls in Suffolk have been given potentially life-saving protection against cervical cancer.
More than 3,000 year 8 girls have been given the HPV vaccine so far in a bid to stop them developing the disease in the future.
The programme, carried out by a dedicated team at Suffolk Community Healthcare (SCH), reached 90 per cent of 12 to 13-year-olds - the target set by the Department of Health.
Now SCH will deliver a catch-up programme, which will see an extra 7,000 girls in years 10 and 11 immunised from September onwards. This will take place in addition to the 3,000 plus year 8 girls who are due to start receiving the vaccination course in the autumn term.
Dot Cordle, head of universal children and family services, said: “We are really delighted that more than 3,000 girls across Suffolk have already received this vital vaccine which will protect them against the commonest cause of cervical cancer for many years to come.
“But it is important that even more young women are offered the vaccine.”
Are you pleased girls are being given the HPV vaccine? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
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