The latest Isle of Man Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme will commence on 21 September 2011. The Island’s programme is targeted at girls aged 12 – 13 (school year 8) and vaccinates them against HPV, which is responsible for 99% of cervical cancer cases and reduces by 70% the risk of girls who are vaccinated developing cervical cancer in later life. The vaccination programme, now in its third year on the Island, has a high uptake, at 83%. There has been a preceding campaign to raise awareness and provide information about HPV in particular and sexual health issues in general, by targeting school staff, parents and children aged 12 – 13 years. This is based on evidence that a well conducted awareness raising and health education campaign followed by administration of the HPV leads to the reduction in the number of sexual partners and a delay in the age of first sexual contact amongst young people; sexual contact being predominantly how the virus is transmitted. Minister for Health, David Anderson, said, “Whilst 83% uptake is a good result for last year’s HPV vaccination programme, I’d like to see that figure improve. Many of us know the devastation cancer can bring to individuals and families. This simple course of injections will protect those who are vaccinated from going on to develop cervical cancer in later life. Like many vaccination programmes, when all is said and done, a quick injection really can be the difference between life and death.” 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. “In third world countries there are a large number of deaths from diseases such as Diphtheria and Polio because a combination of ignorance and misinformation has led to parents not getting their children vaccinated. We do not want a similar situation to arise in Isle of Man with regard to HPV.” Letters and information were distributed in August and the Department of Health would like to remind parents/guardians to complete and return the consent form as soon as possible. The Isle of Man vaccination programme will start at Ramsey Grammar School on Wednesday 21st September, with all other secondary schools commencing the first dose of the vaccination programme during September. Information materials including FAQs regarding the HPV and the vaccine have been produced and distributed by the Department of Health. Information about the campaign and the resources available can be viewed or downloaded from www.gov.im/hpv. - ENDS -