Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Programme to commence 15th March 2010

The final step of the HPV vaccination programme for the Isle of Man, e.g. the injections of the vaccine to girls aged 12- 17 will commence from Monday, 15th March 2010. There has been a preceding campaign to raise awareness and provide information about HPV in particular and sexual health issues in general targeting school staff, parents and children aged 12 – 17 years. This is based on evidence that a well conducted awareness raising/health education campaign followed by administration of the HPV leads to the reduction in the number of sexual partners and delay in the age of first sexual contact amongst young people.

Dr Kishore, Director of Public Health said

“For the first time we have a vaccine which will prevent a potentially fatal cancer, namely Cervical Cancer. It is extremely important that as many girls in the eligible age group receive the vaccine.”

Dr Kishore added

Dr Kishore added “In Developing Nations there are a large number of deaths from diseases such as Diphtheria and Polio because a combination of ignorance and misinformation has lead to parents not getting their children vaccinated. We do not want a similar situation to arise in Isle of Man with regard to HPV.”

The IOM programme will offer vaccination to all girls aged 12 -17; year 8 through to year 13. It is also available to those older girls aged 16 to 17 who have left full time education, who can discuss their individual circumstances with their GP or Practice Nurse. Vaccination is not routinely recommended for those aged 18 years or over (who have not already consented in this school year). The Isle of Man vaccination programme will start on 15th March 2010 at QEII High School. All other schools will receive the vaccination subsequently during March.

Information materials including FAQs regarding the HPV and the vaccine have been produced and distributed by the DHSS. Information about the campaign resources is available to be viewed or downloaded from www.gov.im/hpv