SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE
VACCINATION
AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER
The
Scottish Government has decided to introduce a national immunisation programme
which is intended to reduce the risk of cervical cancer for girls and young
women. From September 2008 all 13-17
year old girls will be offered a vaccine to protect them against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes 70% of the cases of
cervical cancer.
HPV is
spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most women will be infected with HPV at some
point in their lives without knowing it, as there are usually no symptoms. Most of the time, the virus does not cause
cancer because the body’s immune system clears it up, but not always.
It should
be noted that HPV vaccination does not provide protection against sexually
transmitted infections; nor is it a contraceptive.
Parents
and teachers can be confident that the moral teachings of the Catholic Church
support the use of vaccination to prevent disease. With the consent of their parents, young people
can be protected from infection before the time when they are most vulnerable
to sexual pressure and to the dangers of non-consensual sex.
Vaccination
against the disease should not be seen as any sort of encouragement to promiscuity. Head Teachers should ensure that any
information and advice provided by Health agencies about this or any other
programme is appropriate in the context of the school’s ethos, values and moral
teaching.
Of
course, the only 100% effective way of avoiding the dangers of HPV and other
sexually transmitted infections is abstain from sexual activity before marriage
and to remain faithful to your spouse within marriage. The HPV immunisation programme provides an
opportunity for parents to discuss with their children - boys as well as girls
- the virtues of chastity and fidelity and the value of loving
relationships. Such discussions already
take place within the context of Relationships Education provided in Catholic
schools.
Michael McGrath
Director
Scottish
Catholic Education Service