School pupils spread word for cervical cancer campaign

More than 150 girls from Tong High School and Buttershaw School have joined a campaign launched by NHS Bradford and Airedale to persuade girls aged 12 to 18 to make sure they have all three of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.

The campaign is targeting all eligible girls and young women and their families to encourage them to have the vaccination which protects against the two strains of HPV that can cause most cervical cancers.

A webcast has been produced by the pupils with a view to reaching out to others of the same age.

HPV lead for NHS Bradford and Airedale Linda Scott said: "Once you start the course it is essential that you have all three vaccinations over a six-month period, to make sure you have the full protection. The HPV jabs are given in the arm. We decided to seek help from these two schools not only to boost the number of girls having the vaccination, but also because we felt these girls would be more effective at reassuring their peers that the jab was ok and they should get themselves protected against cervical cancer."

Levi Robinson, 15, and Rachel Phelps and Sharne Pattison, both aged 17, from Buttershaw School are among those supporting the campaign. Sharne, who went with her 18-year-old sister to her local GP, said: "I was really nervous as I'm really scared of needles, but the nurse really helped me through it. I just had a bit of a sore arm for the rest of the day.

"Three little jabs is nothing compared to how much cervical cancer would hurt you."

About 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in Britain and in spite of a screening programme, it kills some 1,000 a year.

Rachel said: "I went with my cousin and we were really nervous, but the nurse took our mind off it. It was all over in three seconds and it's worth it in the long-run."

Younger girls receive their vaccination through school, and girls aged 17 and 18 visit their local GP surgery. Many practices offer the vaccinations in the evening to make it easier for young women at college or work to attend. For more information visit www.nhs.

uk/hpv or call 0845 602 3303.