Hammersmith Boots one of ten pharmacies taking part
Boots in Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre will be one of just 10 in London to launch a pilot private cervical cancer vaccination service to help protect young women against two of the viruses that cause most cervical cancers.
In the UK, approximately three women die every day as a result of cervical cancer and it is the second most common cancer in women under 35.
The national NHS vaccination programme for girls aged 12 and 13 was launched in schools in September 2008 and a catch up service for girls aged 14 to 18 is also being rolled out.
The Boots Pharmacy Cervical Cancer Vaccination Service will be aimed at 18 to 26 year old women who fall outside the national vaccination programme and want to take steps to protect their health.
Boots developed this service as a result of research carried out in 2007 in which 65 per cent of women said they would visit a pharmacy to request and buy the vaccine.
The service is suitable for women aged 18 to 26 and patients wishing to have the vaccination must be registered with a GP. They will have a consultation with the pharmacist to ensure eligibility and to receive general advice on sexual health. The vaccination service comprises a course of three injections given over six months and patients will receive alerts to remind them to attend follow up appointments.
Boots is providing this service through a private patient group direction (PGD). Under the PGD, pharmacists are able to supply certain prescription medicines to specified groups of patients under strict protocols, without the need for individual prescriptions.
Dr Graham Marshall, Boots Medical Director, said: “As this vaccination is only available on the NHS through the schools’ vaccination programme, most young women aged 18 to 26 will not be aware that they could benefit from the vaccine. Pharmacists are well placed to offer this service with convenient high street locations and a welcoming, familiar atmosphere.
“Boots pharmacists have undergone comprehensive training – written and agreed by an independent panel of experts – to provide this innovative, patient-led service. The consultation includes advice on sexual health and the importance of regular cervical screening.”
December 10, 2008