Cervical Cancer Immunisation in Southland Schools

Monday 23 February 2009

School - Based Cervical Cancer Immunisation Programme Underway in Southland

The Primary Health Organisation's (PHO) HPV Immunisation Team hit the road this morning to deliver the first day of its school - based Cervical Cancer Immunisation Programme in Southland at Invercargill’s Aurora College.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer, provided that a young woman has not already been infected with those strains of the virus already.

PHO HPV immunisation Project Manager Diane Wilson said a team of trained vaccinating nurses, including the PHO’s HPV Immunisation Nursing Team and nurses from the Pacific Island Advisory and Cultural Trust, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust and Awarua Social and Health Services, had begun immunising girls and young women in school years 8, 12 and 13 who had returned their consent forms.

The vaccine, Gardasil, is given as a series of three injections over a six month period. A further three schools in Invercargill will be visited by the Immunisation team this week to receive dose one of the programme , with the remaining 51 schools scheduled throughout term 1.

Ms Wilson said the team was pleased to see the logistics of the campaign come together and for it to be underway.

“We are all very excited about being part of a programme that is an important health initiative for our young women.”

“We have been particularly well supported by the schools in the consent form process with distribution and gathering them back in again, said Ms Wilson.

“However we would like to remind young women and their families who have not returned the forms to do so or contact us if they have any questions or concerns.”

SDHB Paediatrician Dr Vili Sotutu said he also was pleased the campaign was now underway.

“Some parents have asked excellent questions about vaccine safety, the appropriateness of giving the vaccine to girls perceived to be at low risk for HPV infection, as well as lifestyle implications.

“It is important for them to know that there is an enormous amount of safety data that has been generated from studies conducted in 22 countries involving more than 21,000 women.

“Women have an 80% lifetime risk of acquiring HPV, with the highest risk period being during adolescence. For this reason it is important that the vaccine be offered to all young ladies before they have HPV exposure.

“This vaccine does not protect against any other sexually transmissible infections such as HIV, syphilis, or chlamydia, so it certainly does not promote a promiscuous lifestyle.”

Written consent from parents or caregivers is required for school girls under 16 years of age to receive the HPV vaccine in schools, while girls aged 16 and over may complete and sign the consent form themselves.

The school based immunisation programme is an extension of the HPV Programme which began nationwide in 2008 for girls born in 1990 and 1991.

Students who would prefer not to be immunised at school can receive the free immunisation in Southland from their local practice nurse, doctor, the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and the number 10 Youth Health Centre. Immunisations may also be provided by local Maori Health Services and Family Planning clinics in the future.

ENDS

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