By Anne Knox - August 27th, 2008


On 1st September 2008 the immunisation programme to protect girls from cervical cancer starts in Scottish schools.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine will be given to all girl pupils in Second Year at High School, along with an invitation to all 13 to 17-year-old girls in a one-off catch-up campaign lasting three years.
The HPV vaccine is injected into the upper arm in three separate doses, over a period of six months - three doses are required to get the best protection. Most girls will get their HPV jabs from a nurse at school over three appointments during term-time.
Parents or carers will receive a leaflet different language versions available here and consent form from their health board at the start of the new school year. This should be signed and returned before the first HPV immunisation session.
For more information log on to the Cervical Cancer and HPV website
You can also phone the free NHS helpline on 0800 22 44 88 for impartial advice. The textphone number is 18001 22 44 88 and lines are open from 8am-10pm. You can also submit questions on the website which will be answered by email.
If your child has already left school but are still eligible for the vaccine, you will be contacted by your local NHS.




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