Thousands of girls in the Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust region have had the first jab of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against viruses associated with 70 per cent of cervical cancers. To get the full protection though, girls need to complete the course of the three injections so the 3,500 girls who took up the chance to get immunised are now being urged to attend for the second jab.

Girls in Derbyshire have been getting the jab from their GP not at school so are being reminded to book an appointment with their GP to get the second jab.

Linda Syson-Nibbs, immunisation co-ordinator at the trust, said: "So far the take up rates for the HPV vaccine have been fantastic.

"However, it is not too late for those girls who chose not to have the first jab - they can still come forward and protect themselves from infection.

"Also, it is very important now for the girls who had the first jab to make sure they come forward for the second round of immunisation as teenagers need to have all three jabs to make it effective.

"The vaccine protects girls against viruses associated with 70 per cent of cervical cancers so it is so important to get all three jabs and help protect yourself."

A text reminder service for those girls ready for their second jab will be sent out and those youngsters who receive it should tell their parents straight away so they can book in to see their GP.

The HPV campaign, immunising all girls aged 12-13 and 17-18, was launched in August 2008. Later this year, the Derbyshire programme will be expanded so all 21,584 girls aged between 12 and 18 in the area will be given the opportunity to get the jab.

For now, girls and their parents should wait to be contacted later in the year.

In England, more than 2,000 women are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix each year and it causes more than 700 deaths.

The recent case of celebrity Jade Goody and her diagnosis of terminal cancer has focused national attention on the NHS cervical screening programme.

Currently, all women from the age of 25 are invited for screening in a three-yearly cycle and girls who receive the HPV vaccine should also attend for this screening when old enough.

This is because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers.

Last year, 144,849 women attended for screening in the Derbyshire County PCT area with a handful found to have cervical cancer.

* For more information about the jab and the text HPV reminder service visit http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/HPV/