Have you heard about the new vaccine against cervical cancer? Read on to find out what it's for, who it's for and more
What is it?
Cervarix is a vaccine which helps protect women from getting cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the womb). In 99% of cases, cancer of the cervix is caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), and this vaccine protects against the two strains of HPV which are most likely to cause cervical cancer. It doesn’t protect against any other sexually transmitted infections or against pregnancy.
What’s HPV?
Most HPV infections are harmless or cause genital warts, however some types can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people the infection can last a long time. HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can stay for many years without you knowing. The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearance. Over time, these changes can develop into cervical cancer.
How do you get HPV?
By having sex with someone who has it. It is very common and over half of all women who have sex will get infected with HPV at some time in their lifetime. Who gets the vaccine? From autumn 2008, the vaccine will be offered every year to 12- to 13-year-old girls (school year 8). Then there’s also a three-year catch-up programme which starts from autumn 2008 and will offer the vaccine to older girls aged 13-18.
How is it given?
It’s an injection into the muscle of your upper arm. You will need three doses - the first two doses are given one month apart and the third dose six months after the first dose.
Where do I get it?
That depends on how old you are and where you live. Younger girls will usually have the vaccine at school, and older girls might have it at their GP surgery.
Do I have to have it?
No, it’s not compulsory and you or your parent will need to sign a consent form before you have the vaccination. Generally if you’re under 16 your parent will have to sign the consent, but if you’re 16 or over you can sign it yourself.
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccine has undergone rigorous safety testing as part of the licensing process required in the UK and other European countries.
Are there any side effects?
Like most vaccines, the most common side effect is mild to moderate swelling, redness and pain in your arm where the injection is given. Other mild side effects include slightly raised temperature, sickness, dizziness, diarrhoea and muscle aches. Very rarely, some people have an allergic reaction soon after a vaccination. This reaction may be a rash or itching affecting part or all of the body, or may be more serious like difficulty in breathing. The nurse will know how to treat this and you will recover completely with treatment, usually within a few hours.
Will it affect my diabetes?
If you get any fever or diarrhoea after having the vaccine, that might upset your blood glucose levels a bit, so make sure you check them regularly. Talk to your nurse if you have any problems like this.
Will I still need to have cervical screening (smear tests) when I’m older?
Yes - because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers, it is really important for you to have cervical screening later in life. Cervical screening detects any changes in the cells that make up the cervix which might develop into cancer in the future. If picked up early enough, this can be treated to prevent cancer happening. You will be offered this on the NHS from the age of 25.