Published: Saturday, 6th February, 2010 8:00am

Vaccine to stop cervical cancer

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YOUNG women are urged to visit community clinics today to get immunised against a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

A total of 196 women aged 12 to 18 visited clinics organised by NHS Berkshire East this month, including Clair Thorstensen-Woll, who went to the Bracknell clinic.

She said: "Having the HPV vaccine is just a needle and if I got cervical cancer it could be a lot more than that.

"I would advise other girls to get it because no-one wants to get cervical cancer.

"The injection didn't hurt too much and the team were really friendly." NHS Berkshire East estimates that the vaccine could eventually prevent up to 400 deaths from cervical cancer every year, because half of all sexually active-women will be infected by a strain of HPV during their lifetimes

The virus is responsible for causing nearly all cervical cancer cases.

Health visitor Dee Mitchell said: "We are delighted so many young women from east Berkshire have chosen to have the jab.

"If you are considering having the jab, contact your GP for more information." The next clinics will be:

l Saturday, February 6 at the Children's Centre at St Marks Hospital, Maidenhead.

l Saturday, February 6 at Skimped Hill Health Centre, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell.

Places must be booked in advance by calling 01344 786980 and youngsters under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.