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Girls in England & Wales who are in year 8, are being offered a vaccine to help protect them against Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer. This presentation is designed to explain more about the HPV vaccine and to answer any questions you might have. Nurse Lynn Together we can fight cervical cancer 2

This girl has heard of cervical cancer but she’s not really sure what it is. 3

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the womb. It’s part of a woman’s reproductive system – where babies come from. In the UK, around 1,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. The main cause of this type of cancer is Human Papilloma Virus, sometimes shortened to HPV. Together we can fight cervical cancer 4

This girl was wondering, what is the Human Papilloma Virus? Together we can fight cervical cancer 5

There are many types of human papilloma virus (HPV). This HPV vaccine protects against the 2 types that cause most cases of cervical cancer These HPV types are mainly spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 6

Although you are not at risk at the moment, HPV is very common and is easily spread. Most girls and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it, as there are usually no symptoms. Mostly, the virus doesn’t cause cervical cancer because the immune system clears it up, but not always. That’s why the vaccine is so important Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 7

So how does HPV cause cervical cancer? 8

If HPV gets into the lining of the Cervix it can stay there for several years without it causing any harm. However, occasionally it may start to cause damage to the cells which, over time and if left untreated, can develop into cancer. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 9

If HPV is mainly spread through being sexually active, why should girls in year 8 have the vaccine now? 10

Research has shown that the vaccine works best before there is any possibility of infection. So although most girls don’t start to have sexual relationships until they’re much older, it’s important to get this protection early enough for it to be most effective. The vaccine does not prevent girls coming into contact with the virus or becoming infected by it, but it does stop it developing into cervical cancer. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 11

Together we can fight cervical cancer …So, where do you get it from and what will happen? 12

Most girls will be immunised at school by nurses, like us. You’ll need three injections in your upper arm – don’t worry, not at the same time! You’ll get them over a period of six months to give you the best protection. Do not worry if you are absent from school and miss one of your vaccinations because we will revisit school and catch up with you at a later date. Nurse Helen Together we can fight cervical cancer 13

Together we can fight cervical cancer Does it hurt ? How big is the needle? 14

We use a very small needle, the size that’s used for tiny babies. It will feel like a pinch. The more relaxed you are the easier it will feel and most young girls are very surprised how quick and easy it is. Don’t worry we will look after you’ll be absolutely fine. Nurse Helen Together we can fight cervical cancer 15

Together we can fight cervical cancer Are there any side effects? 16

Any side effects are quite mild – usually soreness in the arm or some redness or swelling but it soon wears off. This is the same as you could expect with any other injection. It is normal and nothing to worry about. In extremely rare cases, a girl may have an allergic reaction to an immunisation, but the nurses are fully trained to deal with this very unlikely event. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 17

You might hear about girls who have felt sick, dizzy or faint but this is not due to the vaccine. This is due to being anxious and tense. Although this is nothing to worry about it can be unpleasant and so it is better to try and prevent it happening. The best way to do this is to try and be relaxed. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 18

What the vaccine DOES NOT do... It doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections It doesn’t affect your periods in any way It doesn’t prevent pregnancy It will not affect any other medication you might be taking Nurse Lynn Together we can fight cervical cancer 19

Together we can fight cervical cancer How safe is the vaccine? 20

The HPV vaccine has been through a lot of testing and has been found to be safe and well tolerated in clinical studies. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 21

Together we can fight cervical cancer Does having the HPV vaccine now mean you won’t need to go for cervical screening when you’re older?. 22

The vaccine is designed to protect girls against the two main types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers. It won’t protect girls against all other HPV types so it is very important that they still go for regular cervical Screening (also known as smears) from the age of 25. Cervical screening is a very simple test which only takes a few minutes. The nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix and these are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope. Together we can fight cervical cancer 23

Together we can fight cervical cancer Do boys get the vaccine as well? 24

NO Boys do not get the vaccine. The main priority is to protect girls against cervical cancer. By immunising girls against the two main HPV types, everybody’s level of protection against HPV will be raised – girls as well as boys, because there will be fewer viruses circulating. Scientist Together we can fight cervical cancer 25

Together we can fight cervical cancer Is there anywhere I can get more information? 26

You and your parents will receive a pack which will include a consent form and further information. It is very important that the consent form is returned regardless of whether you want to have the vaccination or not. Nurse Lynn Together we can fight cervical cancer 27

If you, or your parent, have any questions about the immunisation you can contact the HPV Vaccination Team or speak to your school nurse or doctor. HPV Vaccination team Tel: Or Sarah Together we can fight cervical cancer 28

Find out more at … Or call the NHS helpline