Press Release: AM WELCOMES LIFE SAVING VACCINE

Vaccination against cervical cancer to be introduced in Wales

All 12 and 13 year old girls in Wales are to be vaccinated against the virus that causes most types of cervical cancer thanks to the Labour led Assembly Government.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed Welsh Labour Health Minister Edwina Hart’s announcement that the vaccination against the virus will be available from September 2008. There will also be a two-year catch-up vaccination campaign starting in Autumn 2009 for all girls up to the age of 18.

Neath AM and Deputy Health Minister GWENDA THOMAS said:

‘’Tackling cancer is one of Welsh Labour’s top priorities. The immunisation of girls from next year is a long-term investment in cancer prevention.

‘’Prevention is always better than cure and this vaccine will prevent many women from catching the virus in the first place and will save hundreds of lives.

‘’Women in Neath and their families are going to benefit from this vaccine for generations to come.

‘’This is an ambitious programme and I am pleased that the Health Minister is committed to working closely with the Neath Port Talbot LHB to ensure its success.’’