9 July 2008

THE NETHERLANDS - Health Minister Ab Klink wants all 12-year-old girls to be vaccinated against cervical cancer, following a Health Council recommendation.

He also wants a campaign to ensure that girls between 13 and 16 years old volunteer for vaccination.

Before the measure is introduced, the price of the vaccine has to be lowered. The vaccine will eventually be given free of charge.

The Health Council says the vaccination campaign will prevent hundreds of cases of cervical cancer every year and around a hundred deaths.

For years, the only measure to prevent this form of cancer has been a cervical smear screening programme for women between 30 and 60 years old. The current screening programme will continue.

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]