HPV vaccine set to reduce cervical cancer by 70% (24 June)
The Department of Health has agreed in principle to accept advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that HPV vaccines should be introduced routinely for girls aged around 12-13 years.
The vaccination programme could start as early as autumn 2008
The move will be subject to independent peer review of the cost benefit analysis. Funding will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Human papilloma viruses cause 99 per cent of invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine protects against the viruses that are responsible for about seven out of 10 cases.
Details of the programme will be finalised over the next few months, following further advice from JCVI and discussions with the NHS on the implementation of the programme.