Vaccine day Tuesday 11 April. Consent forms will be coming home on Monday for our Year 8 students.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection which can lead to cervical cancer, and other types of cancers later in life. Early HPV immunisation offers the best protection against contracting these diseases.

Starting 2017, both girls and boys in Year 8 will be offered free HPV Vaccination through the school based programme. A new updated version of the vaccine (Gardasil 9) will cover more strains of the virus, providing cover with 2 doses rather than 3 with Gardasil 4.

The vaccination will continue to be available within the GP Practices, however, we encourage you to participate in the school based programme.

Girls and boys who have partially started the process with their GP will have the option to complete the course through the school based programme.

To enable students to receive the vaccination at school, parents will need to complete the consent form which will be sent home with the student along with supporting information during the first weeks of term one. Please check with your child or the school to ensure you receive the consent form and information pack.

For more information about the vaccine, contact Public Health Nursing Service at 03 383 6877 Ext. 99469 or 99698, talk to your doctor, practice nurse or visit www.health.govt.nz/hpv.