Independent Nurse: HPV vaccination campaign likely to start in 2008.(human papillomavirus)(Brief article)

The government has agreed, in principle, to introduce an HPV vaccine into the childhood immunisation schedule for all girls aged between 12 and 13 years.

However, its final decision will rest on an independent peer review of a cost benefit analysis and the next Comprehensive Spending Review.

Two vaccines have been developed and both cost around pounds 300 for three doses given over six months. In comparison the triple jab against mumps, measles and rubella costs pounds 20. However, research has indicated that cervical cancer cases will fall by around 61 per cent if 80 per cent of girls are immunised.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and …