UK government panel backs cervical cancer jab for girls

The UK Department of Health says it agrees “in principle”, but would need to look into the cost of such a program. However, the Scottish Executive plans to start immunization in 2008.

There are two potential vaccine candidates: Merck & Co. and Sanofi Pasteur’s Gardasil, which has been approved in 76 countries, and GlaxoSmithKline’s Cervarix, which is expected to launch in Europe later this year.

Health experts have said that while the scheme could save hundreds of lives each year, it could take up to 20 years to see any impact.

The UK is the is the ninth country in Europe to decide to offer the vaccine to girls, following Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Norway, according to Reuters.