High HPV jab coverage “already achieved”

More than 70 per cent of 12 to 13-year-old girls have already had their first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, public health minister Dawn Primarolo has said.

Started in September, the campaign is set to see more results coming in.

Figures released found 148 of 152 trusts have started vaccinating young girls, with 24 reporting an uptake of 90 per cent or more.

The results also discovered 124 trusts are already giving the second dose of HPV.

As a consequence of the scheme, vaccinations for girls aged 13 to 17 years old will be brought forward to 2009.

Ms Primarolo said the programme is about “saving lives”.

She added it was “great news” more than 70 per cent of 12 to 13-year-old girls have already had their first vaccine doses.

“I want to thank the local health teams, schools, girls and parents for making this programme such a success.

“Girls can be offered protection against cervical cancer earlier.”

Earlier this month, health secretary Alan Johnson said NHS Primary Care Trusts will receive 164 billion pounds in funding for 2009 to 2011.