I hope the parents are told clearly:
1) What are believed to be the benefits?
2) What side effects may be caused?
3) What are the alternatives? (do nothing; abstain from random sex to reduce risk)
4)That the injection is only apparently effective against 70% of the target cancers.

But we are talking Labour Government here.

Does this vaccine also protect against warts?

I'm not really sure why people are so skeptical about this. why would you refuse to provide your daughter with an up to 70% less risk of developing cervical cancer, or having an abnormal smear result. It infuriates me that people seem to think this affects 'only promiscious women'. If you educate *your* children correctly, you can add further protection to their lives.

it infuriates me that people would deny something like this just because of their old fashioned views. I am one of many women who have had further investigative tests after an abnormal smear result, and now have to have more regular smear tests. If i had a vaccination when i was younger than could have prevented this, i would gladly go back in time. And no I am not 'an essex slag' - my number of partners is well well well below average, proving that it took just take *one* person to spread the HPV virus to me which can cause abnormal smear results.

I would question if it was possible to vaccination boys against HPV as well, and try and wipe it out completely.

If you were dying of cancer, and were told you could have an injection that had a 70% chance of working, would you pass it up?

It just confuses me a little that people would not buy into it.

I did not say I was 'buying into' it or not. It is just a plea for parents to be provided enough information so that they and their daughters can make their own decisions comfortably, rather than feeling that that are being steamrollered into something.

I understand that other countries have ruled out vaccinating boys as it deemed not to be cost effective.

Yes 70% is a good percentage reduction. However some experts are arguing that cancer rates could even increase, as girls may perceive a sense of invulnerability to this cancer, and not proceed with routine smears any more, where as we all know, the early signs can be successfully detected. If they are not having the smears, then this might not happen.

In which case it is important that parents sex educate their children adequatly and not rely on anyone else to do that, as well it being taught in school (i dont know what it is like now as it is years since i left, and i do not have children in school). it needs to be promoted properly, and not as a cure, but a preventative measure. When they have the vaccine, or when it is launched etc they need detailed explanation of what it prevents (HPV) and how HPV can lead to cervical cancer, and also the percentage of risk and other causes of cancer. It is feasible to suggest that Jade Goody might be able to help promote awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of getting tested.

I guess i just dont understand why someone would choose not to have it. You can still practice safe sex, good morals etc, as well as having the added safety of the vaccination.

There is of course the danger, that some children may see this vaccination as protection against STDs.

HPV is a virus which can lead to cervical cancer (which this is the for) is a STD. that's why they need to be educated what it does and does not protect against - through schools and through their parents.