NHS announces new cervical cancer vaccine

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced plans to launch a national immunisation programme against cervical cancer.

Claiming the initiative will reduce cases of the disease by up to 70 per cent, the government will introduce human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines routinely for girls aged 12 and 13. The changes are subject to an independent cost-benefit analysis, with funding considered in the context of the comprehensive spending review.

HPVs cause 99 per cent of invasive cervical cancer, while the vaccines mooted for the programme would protect against those responsible for around 70 per cent of cases, the DoH said.

Public health minister Caroline Flint commented: “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women worldwide. In the UK alone, the lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer is one in 116.

“I am delighted to announce that we intend, in principle, to introduce an HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme.”

The government said routine HPV vaccination could start by autumn 2008, while details will be finalised over coming months. Ms Flint noted that the programme would potentially save “hundreds of lives”.

Meanwhile, the health service has also announced plans to launch a new online service NHS Choices which will allow patients to assess where and when they wish to receive treatment.