Third round of cancer vaccine for school girls
13/08/2009
| HPV Vaccine
School girls in Horowhenua, Otaki and Foxton will receive the final dose of the Gardasil vaccine next week, protecting them against the cancer causing human papillomavirus virus (HPV).
MidCentral DHB’s HPV immunisation coordinator Tracey Bentall says it is important that students receive the full course of the vaccine to benefit from the immunity it offers.
“The HPV vaccine is a course of three injections, given over a six month period,” explains Mrs Bentall. “Without the full course, the girls won’t be fully protected against the virus.”
Public health nurses will be in participating schools throughout the region from 18th August for the rest of term three. To make it easy for students to ensure their immunisations are up to date, they are also offering catch-up clinics at the schools two weeks after the scheduled visit.
“If students have missed out on their vaccination due to being away from school the day we were scheduled to come they can come along to a catch up clinic and have it done. Girls can also receive the immunisation from their general practitioner,” explains Mrs Bentall.
If young women have left school and missed out on one or more doses of the vaccine they can attend catch up clinics at public health clinics by contacting Tracey Bentall on 0800153 042.
The programme, funded by the Ministry of Health, consists of a series of three injections of Gardasil given over a six month period. Ultimately the programme will be offered to girls in year 8 but over the next two years there is a catch-up programme in place to ensure all of those born after 1990 are able to receive the vaccine.
During 2009, girls in years 8, 12 and 13 are eligible to receive the vaccine through participating schools. In 2010 girls in years 8, 10, 11 and 12 will be included. Girls can also be immunised at their general practice at no cost.
Parents or young women seeking more information are encouraged to talk to their doctor or practice nurse or go online to www.cervicalcancervaccine.govt.nz .
CONTACT: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945