Cervarix

Background

Introduction

Cervarix is a vaccine intended to protect females against the diseases caused by infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. These diseases include: - cervical cancer(cancer of the cervix i.e. lower part of the uterus or womb), - precancerous cervical lesions(changes in cells of the cervix that have a risk of turning into cancer).

Cervarix will not protect against all types of Human Papillomavirus.HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% ofcervical cancer cases. When a female is vaccinated with Cervarix, the immune system(the body’s natural defence system) will make antibodies against HPV types 16 and 18.

The Cervarix clinical trial programme

From September 2008, HPV vaccination will be routinely recommended for all girls at 12 to 13 years of age. Initially, there will be a catch-up campaign where girls aged 14 to under 18 years will be offered the vaccine. From September 2009, girls in England, Wales and Northern Ireland aged 16 to 18 will be offered the vaccine. From September 2010, girls aged 15 to 17 will be offered the vaccine.

Current activities

Since the Department of Health announced a national vaccination programme against cervical cancer last June, the scheme has rarely been out of the headlines. First, some parents became uneasy that girls as young as 12 were to be immunised against a virus that is transmitted only through sex. It was dubbed the "promiscuity jab". When it was pointed out that the vaccination is most effective before a person becomes sexually active, those fears were replaced with another: that, in other countries, there had been serious reactions to the vaccine. The NHS has not changed its advice in the light of these adverse reactions. A Department of Health spokesperson said: "The HPV vaccination programme prevents cervical cancer and will save the lives of up to an estimated 400 women each year. Both HPV vaccines have met the rigorous safety and efficacy standards required for licensing in Europe and elsewhere. It is irresponsible to raise fears over vaccine safety in the absence of scientific evidence that points to safety concerns."

Publications, Contact, Resources and Notes

Contact

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Resources

Electronic Medicines Compendium

Medical News Today

The Daily Telegraph