From September all girls in Scotland aged 12 and 13 will be offered an immunisation to protect them against the two main types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.
It is the second most common cancer affecting women w
orldwide, with more than 1000 women in the UK – 100 in Scotland, dying from it each year.
Earlier this week reality television star Jade Goody was diagnosed with the condition. The 27-year-old left the Indian Big Brother house to return to the UK for further tests and treatment.
Forth Valley health board have confirmed that immunisation against HPV will start in the area next month and details of the programme are currently being drawn up.
The immunisation will involve three injections in the upper arm over a period of six months.
Girls will be given the vaccination in school and those who have left will be contacted by their local NHS to make arrangements for their immunisation.
At the same time a catch-up campaign for girls aged 13 to 17 will be implemented over a three year period.
Scotland's Public Health Minister, Shona Robison, said: "Cervical
cancer kills more than a hundred Scottish women every year, and touches the lives of many hundreds more. Through this simple, effective vaccine we can ensure future generations are protected against the virus responsible for almost three- quarters of cervical cancers.
"The lifesaving HPV vaccination is an enormous public health breakthrough that will help prevent young Scottish women from developing a potentially deadly disease."
To spread the word a roadshow aimed at teenage girls toured Scotland last month highlighting the immunisation programme.
The roadshow included a pink photobooth where girls could get their picture taken, with the images being displayed on screens on the side of the booth.
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