Listen Up Ladies

If you still havent heard of the cervical cancer vaccine, you better listen carefully now.

"There is great news for young women and girls in Australia - a new vaccine that can protect them against the cause of most cervical cancers. The vaccine protects women against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are known to cause 7 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer and 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts.Starting in April 2007, the Australian Government will be providing the new vaccine free to all women and girls aged between 12 and 26 through the National HPV Vaccination Program.

The vaccine works by immunising women against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that are known to cause 7 out of 10 cervical cancers. The vaccine also guards against the strains of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts.HPV is very common – it affects men and women, and 4 out of 5 people will have it at some point in their lifetime. The virus lives on the skin, so it can be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. That means women can still get it even if they practice safe sex, or only ever have one sexual partner. Usually the body clears the virus by itself but in some cases cervical cancer can develop.

If you are under 27, you can participate in the National HPV Vaccination Program. From July 2007 to June 2009, you can get the vaccine free from your local GP or community immunisation clinic. Even if you are already sexually active, speak to your GP about getting immunised. You may still benefit from the vaccine because there is still a good chance you have not yet been exposed to the specific HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the vaccine doesn’t prevent all cervical cancers. That’s why it’s still very important for all women to keep up to date with regular Pap smears."

Go visit your nearest doctor now while it's free and before it's too late! I've just booked mine in for a vaccination shot next saturday with ashley. Do pass on the good news to all your loved ones and make sure they don't procrastinate. :)

Article taken from here.