By Jenna Cairney

THE FIRST DAY of a mass immunisation programme against cervical cancer was met with a positive response in Tayside yesterday.

Female pupils at a number of secondary schools in the area became the first in the UK to receive the Cervarix vaccine which attacks the human papilloma virus (HPV)—the cause of cervical cancer.

Around 30 Tayside women are affected by the disease each year.

In the area the vaccine will be offered to 2250 girls aged 12 and 13 over the next six months. A catch-up programme will then kick in for girls currently aged 13 to 17.

NHS Tayside immunisation co-ordinator Dr Christopher McGuigan said that judging by yesterday’s response, the scheme should be very successful in protecting women in Tayside.

He said, “There has been a positive response to the offer of HPV immunisation amongst Tayside schoolgirls today—both among those in year two of secondary school as well as the older girls offered it.

“If this level of acceptance is representative of the vaccine uptake in Tayside through this school year, a large proportion of girls in Tayside will be protected against cervical cancer.”

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 40.

Cervarix, which costs around £300 per course, guards against the two main types of cervical cancer and will offer women protection in around 70% of cases.

The jabs, which are given in three doses over six months, are most effective if given before girls become sexually active.

School nurse co-ordinator Jeanette Cairns said, “Girls should not feel nervous about coming for the vaccination. It is just a small injection into the arm that will protect them for many years against cervical cancer.

“We are used to delivering immunisation programmes in schools and will do our best to make any girl coming for the injection feel comfortable.

“We will also happily answer any questions girls may have or support them in any way we can.

“It is really important that girls take this opportunity to protect themselves against the virus which can cause cervical cancer.”

Dr Clare McKenzie, a consultant gynaecologist at Ninewells Hospital, said the injections were an important safeguard against cervical cancer but added that regular screening was also important.

She said, “The vaccine is fantastic news for preventing cervical cancer, but it can only be combatted by using cervical screening and the vaccine.

“So when they are called for screening aged 20 they really must come along whether they have had the vaccine or not.”

She continued, “Here in Tayside we will see up to 30 cases of new cervical cancer a year. With the vaccine being up to 70% effective, we expect to see 21 less women a year.”

The HPV virus can be passed on during sex, and initially the Catholic Church had raised concerns the immunisation drive could encourage promiscuity.

There has been an agreement between the church and health chiefs, however, and yesterday a spokesperson for the Diocese of Dunkeld said girls in Catholic schools will be offered the vaccination.

Whilst gynaecologists also welcome the introduction of the programme, they stress that regular cervical screening is fundamental in the fight against cancer.

More information is available at www.fightcervicalcancer.org.uk or via the national helpline 0800 22 44 88.