Parents across the district are urged to give consent for their daughters to have a vaccination that could reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

For the third year running school nurses in the district will be providing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) jab to girls in Year 8 aged 12 to 13.

It will protect them against two HPV strains that cause 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

The HPV vaccination was introduced two years ago to help reduce the number of young women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer later in life.

The course consists of three jabs in the arm, which is given by the school nurse through the school year before summer exams start.

Since September 2008, four million doses have been given and in the Bradford district, 80 per cent of girls aged 12 to 13 completed the vaccination.

Linda Scott, of NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “It is vital that girls are aware of the importance of having the whole course within a 12-month period. Without all three jabs, they are not getting the full protection that they need.

“Cervical cancer is the second-most common type of cancer found in women, but it is one of the most easily prevented. I urge parents to sign and return the written consent form and help protect their daughters.”

For girls who started the course of HPV last year, either at school or at their GPs and have not had all three jabs, there is still time to complete the course and get full protection by making an appointment at their GPs for the final jabs.

Any mothers or girls who have concerns about the vaccination can speak to their school nurse, GP, practice nurse or visit their local family planning clinic.