What’s happening elsewhere?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation is happening around the world. Across the UK all girls aged 12 and 13 will be offered the new HPV immunisation.
Australia and the United States were two of the first places to offer girls the new vaccine.
England
In England, girls are also being offered the new HPV vaccine. From September 2008 all girls, aged 12 and 13, will be invited to take part in the English immunisation programme. England's catch-up campaign does not start until 2009.
During 2009 and 2010 older girls will be offered the HPV vaccine, so all girls leaving school after 2010 will been protected against the risk of cervical cancer later in life. Find about more about the English HPV immunisation programme (external link).
Australia
The HPV vaccine was licensed for girls aged 9-26 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in June 2006, and an Australian national immunisation programme for 12-13 year olds started in April 2007.
There is a two-year catch-up campaign for older girls still in school and women up to the age of 26, who can get the vaccine from their doctor.
In Australia the vaccine is licensed for boys aged 9-15, but it is not given as part of the government’s immunisation programme. This is because research into how effective the vaccine is at protecting boys from HPV hasn’t finished yet.
Find out more about the Australian HPV immunisation programme (external link).
United States
The United States doesn’t have a national schools-based HPV immunisation programme but the vaccine is available in other ways. In June 2006 the Food and Drug Administration licensed the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-26, who can get it individually through their doctor or local health provider.
The US Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices recommends the vaccine is routinely given to 11-12 year olds and to girls aged 13-26 who can get the full benefit.
In the US, most people have to pay for immunisation, but they can normally claim back the cost of the HPV vaccine from their health insurance. There are also some free schemes that immunise girls under 19.
Find out what advice the US government is giving on the HPV vaccine (external link).
