Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the development of cervical cancer. When vaccines against the virus (HPV vaccine) became available in 2007, the UK government announced that it would provide the vaccine to all schoolgirls aged 12-16, with an immunisation programme starting in September 2008.  This was subsequently extended to 17-18 year-olds by a further announcement in July 2008.

Two products are currently available in the UK, Cervarix® (GSK) and Gardasil® (Merck Pharmaceuticals).  Both are licensed for the prevention of premalignant cervical lesions and cervical cancer associated with human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.  After an evaluation process, the UK Government decided to use Cervarix® for the national immunisation programme.

A considerable number of resources are available on the internet to support the introduction of this immunisation programme, both for patients and their parents, and for health professionals.  The following resources provide authoritative information on this subject.