totalhealth Consultant Gynaecologist, Adeola Olaitan reacts to the news that schools are not offering the HPV vaccine

By Miss Adeola Olaitan, Consultant Gynaecologist at University College Hospital London

 

The decision of some schools in England to opt out of offering eligible girls the vaccination against the high risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) is ill-advised and based on a false premise. The reasons cited for withholding the vaccination include "pupils follow strict Christian principles, marry within their own community and do not practice sex outside marriage" and "the school does not want parents/students to feel pressured by peers or the school setting".

Immunisation against high risk HPV significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer and its pre-malignant precursors. Infection with HPV is extremely common and it is estimated that up to 80% of women will be infected at some time. While exposure to HPV is less likely in a strictly monogamous relationship, there can be no harm in protecting girls against possible infection. Preventing them from receiving the vaccination is akin to advising these young women not to attend for cervical screening when they become eligible.

It is imperative that the people making such poor decisions are educated about the value of cervical cancer prevention and the consequences of non-compliance.

For further information on the HPV vaccine read "Vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus" by Miss Adeola Olaitan.

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
Relating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). Full medical glossary
An organ with the ability to make and secrete certain fluids. Full medical glossary
An abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers. Full medical glossary
A sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers. Full medical glossary
Invasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites. Full medical glossary
Describes a tumour resulting from uncontrolled cell division that can invade other tissues and may spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
A non-cancerous growth that resembles a wart. Full medical glossary
A lesion, condition or syndrome that if left untreated may develop into cancer. Full medical glossary
The circular opening in the centre of the coloured part of the eye. Full medical glossary
The circular opening in the centre of the coloured part of the eye. Full medical glossary
per vaginam Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary
The means of producing immunity by stimulating the formation of antibodies. Full medical glossary
A microbe that is only able to multiply within living cells. Full medical glossary
Microbes that are only able to multiply within living cells. Full medical glossary