HPV one dose vaccine school rollout in February

The rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is set to take place across schools on the Isle of Man next month, Manx Care has said.

Year 8 students will be offered the jab, which is now being administered in one rather than two injections.

Parents will be emailed consent forms by their child's school ahead of the rollout.

The programme follows recommendations made by the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccinations and the World Health Organisation.

Manx Care's vaccination team will visit all of the island's secondary schools in February to deliver the jabs.

Children and young people who have received a single dose before the age of 25 are considered fully vaccinated.

Future protection

HPV is a common virus usually spread through intimate sexual contact.

Spread by close skin-to-skin contact the virus is very contagious and infections do not usually cause any symptoms but high-risk types can cause abnormal tissue growth that can lead to cancers

Studies suggest the vaccine provides people with protection from some cancers including head and neck, cervical, and anogenital.

Children eligible will be emailed via the school with an invitation to complete an online consent form.

Children being home schooled who are within the age range for Year 8 are also eligible to have the vaccine.

Parents have until 15 January to complete the relevant forms.