(2) if he will consider allowing young women up to the age of 25 to self-refer for human papilloma virus vaccination for two years after the proposed programme begins in 2008.
The Department has agreed in principle to accept the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that human papilloma virus vaccines should be introduced routinely for girls aged around 12-13 years, subject to independent peer review of the cost benefit analysis. Details of the programme will be finalised in the coming months, following further advice from JCVI and discussions with the national health service on the implementation of the programme. JCVI is currently considering the evidence regarding the benefits and costs of vaccinating older girls, and will provide advice on this issue in due course.