Below is a response From NHS Hammersmith and Fulham (the primary care trust covering the London Borough of H&F) to some of the questions that have been raised in this discussion. I hope it is of some use. On the HPV vaccine:A good sources of information is the www.immunisation.nhs.uk website. In terms of testing, the vaccine has gone through the same process of development and trials as other vaccines do before it is licensed for use. The HPV is currently approved for use in more than 100 countries including all 27 European Union states. More than 1.4million doses have been given in the UK. So there is a substantial volume of evidence both from trials and actual use to support its safety.On Chlamydia testing:It is estimated that 1 in 10 Londoners between the ages of 16 and 24 has Chlamydia – it is one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted infections. It can cause a range of serious problems later in life if not dealt with, but it is also often symptomless so your body isn't doing anything to alert you there is a problem and prompt you to go to a doctor. Which is why the NHS is adopting an approach of broad screening.Young people are often reluctant to come forward for screening for a variety of reasons, for example they do not perceive the dangers posed by Chlamydia as an immediate threat to their health. Given the seriousness of the problem, we are using a number of approaches to encourage more young people to protect their sexual health.NHS Hammersmith and Fulham sent out letters to all of the borough’s 15 to 24-year-olds earlier in the year to invite them to request a Chlamydia test via our website www.check-kit.org.uk. The initiative generated a good response, with almost 1,000 young people taking the test. We're considering further mailouts of the kit's themselves.Our aim is to make screening as accessible, discreet and convenient as possible.As well as the website, tests can also be carried out at all GP surgeries across the borough as well as at family planning clinics and even selected pharmacies.If the test is taken by sending back a postal kit, the young person chooses whether to receive their results by text, letter or telephone. Text message has been the most popular option. Only negative results are sent by text or letter. Anyone who receives a positive result is called by a member of our Chlamydia screening service who provides advice and information on where to get treatment.This work is part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of Chlamydia.Tom StevensonHead of Communications NHS Hammersmith and FulhamWe try to keep an eye on this site but if you have specific questions it's probably better to email us at communications@hf-pct.nhs.uk (we're not doctors though, so no personal medical issues please!)
Tom Stevenson ● 5672d