Karen McMullen (left), immunisation nurse, and Sarah Gill, immunisation team leader, at Solihull Community Services.

Significantly more girls aged between 12 and 13-years-old in Solihull are receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine than the national average, offering vital protection against cervical cancer.

Between September 2011 and August 2012, 91.1 per cent of 12 to 13-year-olds received the vaccination in Solihull, compared to 86.8 per cent in England and 87.8 per cent in the West Midlands.

Uptake for the vaccination is greater in Solihull than a number of other nearby areas, including Walsall (86.8), Wolverhampton (84.1), Dudley (90.7) and Sandwell (88.4). The results are based on girls that have received all three doses of the HPV vaccine, which is injected over a 12-month period.

HPV is a common infection and is easily spread by sexual activity. As much as half of the population will be infected at some point in their life, but most cases can be controlled by a person’s immune system. However, in some cases the infection will persist and lead to a range of health problems, including cervical cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35. Approximately 2,900 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and it has been estimated that 400 lives could be saved every year in the UK as a result of the vaccination programme.

Sarah Gill, HPV immunisation team leader at Solihull Community Services, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that more than nine out of every ten girls aged between 12 and 13-years-old in Solihull are receiving the HPV vaccine, an essential vaccination that protects against cervical cancer. We endeavour to continue delivering this important vaccination programme to girls in Solihull.”

For more information on the HPV vaccine, please call 0121 744 0724.