Protect your daughter against cervical cancer

Tuesday 23 March 2016

It’s that time of year again; protect your daughter against cervical cancer

During February and March this year, Year 8 girls will be bringing home a bright yellow and orange consent form for a vaccine to protect your daughter against cervical cancer.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has been on the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule since 2008. In Otago it is delivered by public health nurses in schools, and WellSouth provides a school based programme in Southland. This vaccine provides important protection against cervical cancer in later life.

Parents and/or guardians need to fill in, sign and return the forms to school. This includes returning the form even if you do not consent to the vaccine being given at the school.

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) has been well researched, and is used around the world, including in Australia, the US and many European countries.

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Photograph of Public Health Nurses; Julie Buxton and Natasha Rodgers.

The vaccine protects against four different strains of the HPV viruses, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

Southern District Health Board Public Health Physician Keith Reid, said: “HPV Vaccinations are important vaccinations. Together with cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination has made cervical cancer highly preventable.

“The vaccine is used around the world and has been shown to be safe.

“Some parents may be reluctant to give it to their 12-year-old daughters, but research shows that this age is when the immune system has the best response to the vaccine leading to the greatest level of protection.

“The HPV vaccine will provide life-long immunity, but the vaccination is only effective if it is given before the young woman is exposed to the “live” virus. Four out of five people will be exposed to the virus during their lifetime,” Dr Reid said.

Young women can also access the vaccinations at no charge through their GP practice, student health and Family Planning clinics until the age of 20. Women over 20 and boys can benefit from having the vaccine, however it is not funded for them.

For more information see www.cervicalcancervaccine.govt.nz or phone the public health nurse for your daughter’s school.

Southland – (03) 2146436 or 0800 800 249

Otago – (03) 4769880 or email publichealthnursing@southerndhb.govt.nz

ENDS

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