Written questions, answers and statements

Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination

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Question for Department of Health

UIN 44213, tabled on 2 September 2016

Question

John Mann
Labour
Bassetlaw
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he has issued to schools on systems for (a) warning about and (b) responding to serious reactions to HPV vaccines.

Answer

Nicola Blackwood
Conservative
Oxford West and Abingdon
Commons

Answered on

7 September 2016

A wide range of information materials is available to provide information about human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation in schools. These include guidance on how to report adverse reactions following immunisation, and the steps to be taken in the event of a serious reaction. All healthcare professionals engaged in giving immunisations are trained in providing relevant information prior to vaccination, and responding appropriately to adverse reactions.

Vaccine safety is of paramount importance and is kept under constant review. The HPV vaccine has a good safety record, and surveillance shows it has contributed to a significant decrease in rates of infection with the two main cancer-causing human papillomaviruses. The United Kingdom programme is expected to eventually prevent hundreds of deaths from cervical cancer.

Answered by

Department of Health and Social Care
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