|
|
June 23, 2007:
Schoolgirls in Scotland will be given a vaccine
to protect them from cervical cancer.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and
Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the government
of the United Kingdom on vaccine-related matters,
has said girls aged 12-13 would be vaccinated.
At present, the vaccine against cervical cancer
has not been recommended for older women or boys.
The vaccination might be extended to these groups
in future to create immunity across the
population.
The vaccine helps to protect against the human
papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted
infection which causes the majority of cervical
cancers.
The vaccination move had given rise to a
controversy, with many arguing that immunising
girls against a sexually transmitted disease may
encourage young people to have sex.
There are currently two vaccinations designed to
protect against cervical cancer – Gardasil, which
was licensed in 2006, and Cervarix, which is due
to receive its European Union licence later in
2007.
The government is yet to decide which vaccine to
use and how to run the vaccination programme.
Nicola Sturgeon, health secretary, has said the
vaccination programme should have a major impact
on future generations and that the Scottish
government is committed to providing this vaccine
to girls around 12 years of age free of charge.
The vaccination programme, it is believed, could
save hundreds of lives each year. In Scotland,
over 100 women die of cervical cancer each year,
despite the success of the screening programme.
According to Dr Sheila Graham, of Glasgow
University, the new anti-HPV vaccine has proved
very effective in clinical trials. This vaccine
will have a major impact on reducing infection and
lowering incidence of cancer in women, according
to her.
In the opinion of Lesley Walker, director of
cancer information of Cancer Research UK, the
vaccine is an important step in preventing
cervical cancers. Studies suggest that the vaccine
can prevent a majority of cervical cancers.
“Our research,” adds Lesley Walker, “indicates
that most mothers with teenage daughters are in
favour of the vaccine. Though mothers do have
concerns over any potential side-effects, only a
minority are concerned the vaccine might encourage
promiscuity.”
Dr Charles Saunders, chairman of Scotland’s public
health committee of the British Medical
Association, too has welcomed the move. Evidence
suggests that introducing such a public health
measure will save large numbers of women from
developing potentially fatal cervical cancers, he
said.
BY OUR PHARMA CORRESPONDENT
|
