Cervarix is now available at BMC Medical Services. It is a vaccination that can help to protect many women against the two most common cancer-causing types of HPV.
In September 2008, the UK Government launched the HPV immunisation programme, which aims to vaccinate all girls aged 12-13 years and those aged 17-18 years against HPV – the cause of cervical cancer. A catch-up programme will continue over the next 2 years to ensure that all girls born on or after 1 September 1990 will be offered vaccination. This programme will be funded nationally with responsibility for implementation given to Primary Care Organisations (PCOs). The Government also acknowledged that women aged 18-25 could benefit from vaccination although the cost effectiveness is lower for this age cohort.
What does Cervarix do?
Cervarix is a vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18.
Whilst vaccination protects against the most common cancer-causing types of HPV, it does not give you protection against ALL the cancer-causing types or clear up an infection you may already have. So you will still need to have regular cervical screening.
What is HPV?
The vaccine will protect against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV is a common Virus that is passed on via genital contact. There are more than 100 HPV types and they all infect genital areas. Sometimes they cause no harm and any infection goes away on its own. However, sometimes the virus persists and causes cells to change- this can lead to:
- Cervical Cancer
- Pre cancerous lesions
- Genital warts.
Who should get vaccinated?
It is a common misconception that cervical cancer only affects older women but the truth is that if you’ve had or are having a sexual relationship you may be at risk whatever your age.
The risk begins from your first sexual contact
Who Should not receive Cervarix?
People allergic to vaccine ingredients.
Pregnant women
People with a weakened immune system (e.g. those with HIV)
People with a bleeding disorder
Possible side effects.
Very common:
headache, myalgia and injection site reactions (including pain,redness, swelling), and fatigue.
Common: gastrointestinal symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain),itching/pruritus, rash, urticaria, arthralgia and fever (!38°C).
Uncommon: dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection and other injection site reactions such as induration and local paraesthesia.
How is Cervarix given?
Cervarix
requires a total of 3 injections, at the following minimum intervals:
- Initial dose
- Second dose: 1 month later
- Third dose: 5 months after the second dose.
Cost: £115 per dose
