The final phase of the HPV Vaccination Program to help protect girls and young women from future cervical cancer has now reached a critical milestone with more than 100,000 eligible young New Zealand women having chosen to receive the vaccination.

The West coast District Health Board is going to begin the administration of the third and final dose of the HPV Vaccination Program at participating schools and at a clinic in Hokitika.

Every girl along with her parents have been reminded that for the Cervical Cancer Vaccination to be successful, the complete series of three doses is needed. If anyone plans to leave school or move to another place then they must contact their local GP to make arrangements for getting the third vaccination.

The vaccine’s length of protection is continuously being monitored by international studies, showing that after eight and a half years, protection against the HPV virus remains high and suggest that protection will last much longer.

The HPV Vaccination Program will also be available through General Practices, Rural Health Clinics and even Family Planning.