Get your questions answered

Nurse:
Hello, as you are probably already aware girls in Scotland who are between 12 and 17 are being offered a vaccine to help protect them against Human Papiloma Virus or HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer.

This DVD is designed to explain more about the new HPV vaccine and to answer any questions you may have.

Claire:
Hi, I'm Claire. I'm in 2nd year and due to get the vaccine. I think I might have heard of Cervial Cancer before, but im not really sure what it is.

Cancer Specialist:
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the Womb, it is part of a woman's reproductive system and you can see it on the diagram – shown in the highlighted area.

In the UK around 1000 women die from cervical cancer every year. The main cause of this type of cancer is Human Papiloma Virus, sometimes shortened to HPV.

Zara:
I'm Zara, I'm wondering what is the Human Papiloma Virus?

Scientist:
There are over a hundered of types of HPV but only some can lead to cervical cancer. Just 2 types, type 16 and type 18 can cause 70% of the cases.

These HPV types are mainly spread by intimate skin–to–skin contact during sexual activity.

Although you may not be at risk at the moment, HPV is very common and easily spread.

Most girls and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives without knowing it, as there are ususally no symptoms.

Mostly, the virus doesn't cause cevical cancer because the immune system clears it up, but not always.

That's why the vaccine is so important.

Girl in Art Class:
Okay, so that explains what HPV is.

But how does it cause cervical cancer?

Scientist:
If HPV gets into the lining of the cervix, it can stay there for several years without causing any harm.

However, occasionally it may start to cause damage to the cell which, over time and if left untreated, can develop into cancer.

Girl in Library:
But if HPV is mainly spread thought being sexually active, why should I have the vaccine now?

Doctor:
Research has sown that the vaccine works best before there is any possibilty 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 to be effective.

Girls will routinely be invited to receive the vaccine at 12 to 13 years of age during their second year of secondary school.

In addition, from the 1st of september 2008, all 13 to 17 year old girls will be invited to receive the HPV vaccine through a catch–up campaign.

Girl in Park:
So how do i get the vaccine?

And whereabouts do you get it?

Nurse:
Most girls will be immunised at school by a Nurse, like me.

You'll need 3 injections in your upper arm, don't worry not all at the same time.

You'll get them over a period of six months to give you the best protection.

Before getting the vaccine you'll get a leaflet and a consent form to take home with you.

You and you parent, or carer, should look through all the information and discuss it before agreeing to the immunisation.

Your parent is being asked to sign the consent form and it's important that you return this in plenty of time.

Parental agreement is advised, although it is not always necessary.

If you, or your parent, have have any questions about the immunisation please speak to your nurse or your doctor.

If your parent or carer is not fully supportive of you having the vaccine, you should still return the form and speak to your nurse or doctor.

We can then arrange to discuss the issues with you and your parnets if you wish.

Mother in Kitchen:
My eldest daughter is due to get the vaccine this year. But I'm a bit concerned about how safe it is?

Scientist:
Well, the HPV vaccine has been through a lot of testing and it has been found to be safe and well tolerated in clinical studies.

Beth in Bedroom:
Hi, I'm beth. Me and all my friends will get the vaccine this year but I'm a bit worried.

Are there any side effects?

Scientist:
Any side effects are quite mild.

Mostly soreness in the arm which soon wears off, as you'd expect with any injection.

In extremely rare cases, a girl may have an allergic reaction to the immunistaion but the nurses are fully trained to deal with this unlikely event.

Mother in Kitchen:
Does having the HPV vaccine now mean that my daughter wont need to go for cervical screening when she is older?

Doctor:
The vaccine is designed to protect girls against the two main types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers.

It wont protect girls against all other HPV types so it is very important that they still go for regular cervical screening from the age of 20.

Beth in Bedroom:
Will boys get the vaccine as well?

Doctor:
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.

The vaccine won't protect girls against other sexually transmitted infections.

Girl in classroom:
I'd like to find out some more before I get the vaccine.

Is there anywhere I can get more information.

Nurse:
Of course. More detailed information on all topics covered in this DVD can be found at www.fightcervicalcancer.org.uk or you can call the free NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88.

Your doctor or nurse will also be happy to answer any questions that you might have.