Jo's Trust Pleased At JCVI's Recommendation On Cervical Cancer Vaccination, UK

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 22 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PST

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Jo's Trust, the leading cervical cancer charity, has welcomed the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation's (JCVI's) recommendation that HPV vaccines, that protect against the causes of cervical cancer, should be introduced routinely for girls aged around 12-13 years, subject to an independent peer review of the cost benefit analysis.

Pamela Morton, Director of Jo's Trust said:

"I am delighted that the JCVI has, at last made a recommendation on the HPV vaccine and pleased that the Government has agreed in principle with its recommendation so progress has been made.

"However, I am disappointed that there is still prevarication about funding and clarity about when this commitment will be made. More importantly there is no 'catch up' programme for the 14 year-olds and upwards within the JCVI recommendation, so thousands of young women will continue to be at risk from a cancer that is now avoidable."

"HPV vaccines represent a major scientific breakthrough in the prevention of a cancer and we owe a huge debt of thanks to the British scientists, researchers and pharmaceutical companies who developed them as they will save literally, hundreds of thousands of women's lives around the world.

Mrs Morton added: "However, it is important to reiterate that adult women continue to attend for regular cervical screening as it offers the best protection against cervical cancer."

Jo's Trust is a registered charity established in 1999 by James Maxwell in memory of his wife Jo who died of cervical cancer. It is dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix.

Jo's Trusts objectives are

-- To raise the public profile and understanding of the causes of pre-cancer and cervical cancer and how they can be prevented and overcome
-- To create greater awareness of the importance of having regular cervical screening
-- To campaign for improved preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cervical cancer

Jo's Trust