A government committee is expected to make a recommendation on whether girls in the UK should be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer.
A government committee is expected to make a recommendation on whether girls in the UK should be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer.
But it is unclear when the programme might begin - if it wins the support of the panel of experts.
But it is unclear when the programme might begin - if it wins the support of the panel of experts.
The Tories accuse the government of dragging its feet, noting vaccinations have been approved by other countries.
The Tories accuse the government of dragging its feet, noting vaccinations have been approved by other countries.
It is thought that vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) could save hundreds of lives in the UK each year.
It is thought that vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) could save hundreds of lives in the UK each year.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will re-examine the evidence on Wednesday before making its recommendations.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will re-examine the evidence on Wednesday before making its recommendations.
Campaigners hope it will endorse a plan for all 12-year-old girls in the UK be vaccinated, and call for a catch-up programme for those up to 16.
Campaigners hope it will endorse a plan for all 12-year-old girls in the UK be vaccinated, and call for a catch-up programme for those up to 16.
Two vaccines have been developed. Gardasil, made by Merck and Sanofi Pasteur, has already been approved in 76 countries, while Cervarix is expected to be launched in Europe later this year.
Two vaccines have been developed. Gardasil, made by Merck and Sanofi Pasteur, has already been approved in 76 countries, while Cervarix is expected to be launched in Europe later this year.
Both cost about £300 for three injections over six months.
Both cost about £300 for three injections over six months.
Some have expressed concerns that providing a jab to protect against a sexually transmitted infection to children at a young age might encourage promiscuity.
Some have expressed concerns that providing a jab to protect against a sexually transmitted infection to children at a young age might encourage promiscuity.
But parents would have the final say as to whether their child received the injection.
In a Manchester University study of parents' attitudes, a minority of those asked expressed some concern about the sexual implications, but the report concluded that most - if convinced the jab was safe and effective - would allow their daughter to be vaccinated.
In any event, parents would have the final say as to whether their child received the injection.
Killer disease
Killer disease
About 80% of sexually active women can expect to have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
About 80% of sexually active women can expect to have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
It is held responsible for some 70% of cervical cancer cases, a disease which kills 274,000 women worldwide every year, including 1,120 in the UK.
It is held responsible for some 70% of cervical cancer cases, a disease which kills 274,000 women worldwide every year, including 1,120 in the UK.
In an editorial published last year, the Lancet called for mandatory vaccination against HPV for girls in all EU member states once they are 11 or 12.
In an editorial published last year, the Lancet called for mandatory vaccination against HPV for girls in all EU member states once they are 11 or 12.
On Tuesday, Switzerland approved a vaccination programme, following on the heels of Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, Luxembourg and Belgium.
On Tuesday, Switzerland approved a vaccination programme, following on the heels of Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, Luxembourg and Belgium.
Conservative shadow health minister John Baron said there was a "moral argument" to push a vaccination programme forward, accusing the government of "failing to take a lead on the issue".
Conservative shadow health minister John Baron said there was a "moral argument" to push a vaccination programme forward, accusing the government of "failing to take a lead on the issue".
"If we act quickly, we could get girls vaccinated within the next school year. We have here a vaccination that is 100% effective, and very cheap relative to the number of lives you could save," he added.
"If we act quickly, we could get girls vaccinated within the next school year. We have here a vaccination that is 100% effective, and very cheap relative to the number of lives you could save," he added.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the JCVI was an "independent committee" which needed time to examine the issue in depth.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the JCVI was an "independent committee" which needed time to examine the issue in depth.
"It is important that they thoroughly consider all the available evidence around HPV vaccines and that they only make recommendations when they are sure that all relevant information has been carefully considered."
"It is important that they thoroughly consider all the available evidence around HPV vaccines and that they only make recommendations when they are sure that all relevant information has been carefully considered."
What do you think- would you like your daughter vaccinated against the virus?
What do you think- would you like your daughter vaccinated against the virus?
Are you frustrated by the delay?
Are you frustrated by the delay?
Have you considered paying privately to get the vaccination for your child?
Have you considered paying privately to get the vaccination for your child?
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To get in touch with your comments please use the form below.
