 |
Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Southport High students receive cervical cancer vaccine |
![]() |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Apr 24 2007 |
| Media Releases >> |
Gold Coast secondary schoolgirls have begun receiving the State government's free cervical cancer vaccine, Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said today.
Mr Lawlor said the life-saving vaccine would first be offered at Southport State High School on Monday 23 April before it is rolled out to all local secondary schools between now and June.
"Under the new Queensland Health program, female students in Years 10, 11 and 12 can be vaccinated with cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil," he said.
"This welcome addition to the schools vaccination program will protect the lives of our young women at no cost to parents.
"Although cervical cancer is the most preventable of cancers, latest figures show 153 Queensland women were diagnosed with it in 2003, nearly a quarter of whom eventually died.
"Queensland Health says that Gardasil is most effective if given before sexual activity commences."
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine was first developed by Queenslander of the Year Professor Ian Frazer.
Mr Lawlor said the vaccination program required parental consent and involved three injections offered to female students over a period of four to six months.
"The cervical cancer vaccination program was offered to every one of Queensland's 560 government and private secondary schools," he said.
"The government will also introduce a separate free HPV immunisation program for females 18 - 26 years and those girls aged 13 - 18 not attending school, commencing in mid-2007. This will be conducted through local GPs.
"We also encourage all Queensland females to continue to have regular Pap smears even if they are vaccinated against HPV."
Mr Lawlor said the full vaccination schedule for the Gold Coast would be finalised soon, once all schools confirm with service providers.
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 11:18 AM
Back
|
|
