PUBLIC Health bosses at Cheshire East Council are making parents aware that HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccinations are due to take place in high schools over the next few months.

Consent forms will be distributed to all year 8 pupils to gain parental permission to have the vaccination.

The vaccine helps to protect against the two main strains of human papillomavirus which increase the risk of developing some cancers in later life, such as cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anus and genital areas.

HPV infection is very common, more than 70 per cent of unvaccinated people will get it, which is why the vaccination is such important.

The vaccine has been offered to all girls in school year eight for more than 10 years, but from September 2019 it has also been offered to year 8 boys.

This is because evidence shows the vaccine helps to protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.

The vaccine is given in the arm and two doses are needed to be fully protected.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, cabinet member for public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “More than 80 million people have received the vaccine worldwide, and in time it is expected it will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK.

“It’s important that parents are fully aware of what the HPV infection is and are well informed about the vaccination so they can give parental permission for it to take place, which helps to protect the future health of their children.”

Consent forms will be distributed to year eight pupils with a view to vaccination sessions taking place at school from February to April. For queries on consent forms please contact the school health (0-19) service via your child’s school.

An NHS information leaflet on the HPV vaccination can be downloaded using this link gov.uk/government/publications/hpv-vaccine-vaccination-guide-leaflet

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.