Sandwell health chiefs are urging parents to protect their daughters from cervical cancer by giving their consent for the HPV jab.

From September, all 12 and 13 year old girls (year eight) will be offered the immunisation injection which is designed to protect them from this potentially fatal disease.

Just three injections, administered by the school nurse over the course of the school year will see the risk of getting cervical cancer reduced by over 70%.

Sheila Thomas, Senior School Nurse for Sandwell Primary Care Trust said: “HPV is responsible for 99% of invasive cervical cancer for women and having the vaccination at a young age can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70%. This is a figure that just can’t be ignored.”

Sheila added: “To get the best protection, three injections will be given in the upper arm over the course of the school year. The injection reduces the risk of getting cervical cancer, and we would strongly advise parents to give their consent for the three vaccinations when they receive the forms from their daughter’s school.”

If parents or guardians require further information about the HPV immunisation programme they are asked to visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv.