HPV vaccination rolled out to Jersey school children

The HPV vaccine is effective at stopping the types of HPV infection that cause certain cancers, say health experts

Children aged 12 and 13 are being offered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from the end of January.

The immunisations team will be visiting schools in Jersey to administer the vaccine, which protects against HPV and certain types of cancer.

Parents will need to sign and return a consent form in order for their child to be vaccinated.

Officials say cervical cancer rates are down by almost 90% in women in their 20s who received the vaccine at school.

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: "Everyone has the potential to be affected by HPV and the easiest way to do something to reduce the risk of getting it is by getting vaccinated.

"The vaccine is safe and effective, so I encourage all parents with children in Year 8 to give consent for their children to be protected against HPV."

HPV is a very common virus that is transmitted through close skin to skin contact during any type of sexual activity with a man or woman.

The HPV vaccine is effective at stopping people getting the types of HPV infection that cause most cervical cancers, some anal and genital cancers, and cancers of the head and neck, say health experts.