CHILDREN aged 12 and 13 in Year 8 are being offered the HPV vaccine from the end of this month.
The Immunisations Team will be visiting schools to administer the jab, which protects against human papillomavirus (HPV) and certain types of cancer.
HPV is a common virus that is transmitted through close skin to skin contact during any type of sexual activity with a man or woman. There are many different types of HPV, however, only some high-risk types can lead to cancer. High-risk HPV types are known to cause almost all cases of cervical cancer.
In men, high-risk HPV types can cause more rare cancers, such as cancer of the anus, penis, head, and neck.
Parents will be given consent forms through their child’s school, which must be signed and returned in order for their child to receive the vaccine. The consent form can also be found online at gov.je/HPV.
Professor Peter Bradley, director of Public Health, 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.”
