Cervical Cancer Vaccine

The cervical cancer vaccine programme has met opposition from 20% parents.

Parents refused to give permission for their daughters to receive the jab due to concerns about the long-term effects.

Other concerns are that the vaccine will promote promiscuity as the cancer-causing virus HPV is contracted in sexual intercourse.

Two schools have declined to take part for religious reasons and a Bury Catholic School will not allow the vaccine to be administered on its premises.

Bury's director of public health “We know this will reduce the number of girls who take up the vaccines."

The £100m vaccination programme will protect all 14- 18 year olds saving 400 lives each year, an estimated 75% cut of cancer rates by 2011.