We have been notified that the Hampshire Primary Care Trust is introducing a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme from September 2008 for girls in school year 8. A catch-up programme will run for two years from September 2009 such that all girls under 18 are offered the vaccine. HPVs are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer and this new vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. There are 2,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in England with 400 deaths. A vaccination course consists of 3 injections delivered over a period of 6 months. This will be free of charge. The web site for information is http//www.immunisation.nhs.uk

We propose to make the Hampshire NHS programme available in our school for Year 8 pupils from September 2008, and the three dates (September, November, February) will be confirmed by the Hampshire PCT. The three injections will be administered by school nursing teams and the PCT will provide us with consent forms and information leaflets for pupils and parents in due course. For your information there is a private service currently being offered at: Basingstoke Vaccination Service, Room 7 OPD. The Hampshire Clinic, Basing Road. Basing, RG24 7AL, Tel 01256 377738, fax 01256 327670, Email: , Web www.travelvacs.co.uk The charge for the three injections is £300.

E Hoyes, May 2008