Cervical Cancer Immunisation Rates Takes A Jump

There has been a broad welcome today for a major acceleration in the numbers of women taking up the opportunity of a preventative cancer 'jab'.

NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey welcomed the publication of uptake rates for immunisation against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and announced details of a one-off catch-up programme.

The programme to immunise girls against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was officially launched last September.

The uptake rate for Northern Ireland as of the end of January 2009 is 89.56% for the first dose and 84.28% for the second dose.

The Minister said: "Cervical cancer kills around 40 women every year in Northern Ireland and touches the lives of many more.

"The HPV vaccine is a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer and will help prevent young women from developing a potentially deadly disease.

"I welcome these impressive results and congratulate all those involved for their help in ensuring the successful introduction of the HPV immunisation programme.

"Almost 90% of Year 9 girls have received their first dose of the vaccine and to date 84.28% have gone on to receive their second dose. Much of the credit for this high uptake rate, and the health benefits to come, must go to schools for accommodating and facilitating the programme and to the school health service for delivering it," he said.

The Minister went on to provide details of a one-off 'catch up' programme and added: "Ultimately the vaccination programme is about saving lives and preventing the suffering, distress and anxiety caused by cancer. I would encourage all parents to continue to consent for their child to have the vaccine."

Also welcoming the development, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland General Practitioner Committee said they are very supportive of a campaign which will reduce the chance of many girls contracting cervical cancer.

"This a potentially fatal illness and doctors welcome the fact that a vaccine is available," he said.

"We would encourage parents to ensure that girls within the age range take up this opportunity, and cooperate with GPs and healthcare professionals to get the vaccination."

(BMcC/JM)