YOUNG girls in Swindon have been queueing up to get a vaccine which will prevent cervical cancer.

Up to 95 per cent of 12 and 13-year-old girls at three schools in the town have had the jab and three more schools are due to hold immunisation sessions before the end of this week.

Swindon PCT chairwoman Michelle Howard is delighted by the take-up, hailing the launch of the jab a success.

“So far the response has been excellent,” she said.

“We have received fantastic support from schools, parents and pupils alike.”

The HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease which kills 1,000 women in the UK every year.

By administering the vaccine to girls before they are sexually active the PCT hopes to prevent the disease altogether.

Youngsters at Common-weal and Greendown Schools and Swindon Academy were the first to have the first of three jabs when the PCT rolled out the scheme on September 23.

Girls at Isambard Community School, St Joseph’s Catholic College and Nova Hreod are due to recieve theirs before the end of this week.

Alison Bunce, the HPV immunisation co-ordinator for Swindon PCT, said: “The HPV vaccine programme in Swindon is going well.

“The response so far has been fantastic, with one school achieving an uptake as high as 95 per cent.

“We are having a staggered roll out and all Year 8 girls in Swindon will have had their first injections by the first week in December.”

The Primary Care Trust consulted local schools in June and July, with all schools welcoming the jab.

“We have an excellent relationship with local schools and all the preparation and communication has helped ensure a smooth roll-out of the vaccine,” said Mrs Bunce.

“Our team of specially trained immunisation nurses are administering the injections and the Year 8 girls have been brilliant in their support of the programme.

“It’s great that so many people are recognising the importance and value of this campaign.”

Twelve and 13-year-olds are the first to be immunised but jabs for older girls will be made available over the next few years.

For details on the HPV jab and how to get your daughter immunised call NHS Direct’s special HPV helpline on 0845 6023303 or visit www.

immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv.