(2) what assessment his Department has made of the merits of offering immunisation against human papilloma virus to all girls up to the age of 18.
Based on the current list price for the vaccine, vaccination of one annual cohort of girls will be in the region of £100 million.
A detailed analysis is being carried out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) regarding the benefits and costs of introducing a human papilloma virus vaccine programme. This work is being externally peer reviewed to ensure its robustness. This review has not yet been completed and therefore JCVI will not be able to make its more detailed recommendation, including whether there will be a catch-up for older girls, until after its next meeting, on October 17.