Girls born in 2000 are to be called to take the HPV vaccine as a form of protection against cervical cancer, the Health Department said.

In a statement, the government noted that cervical cancer consequences, screening and prevention have been outlined in The National Sexual Health Policy in the Maltese Islands 2010 and The National Cancer Plan 2011 - 2015.

A full Health Technology Assessment was performed in 2011 with a view to introduce a national programme of HPV vaccination as part of The National Cancer Plan 2011 - 2015.  

As well as the introduction of a national HPV vaccination campaign, in 2012, a target of a one-year cohort of girls was chosen from the age group of 11-16 year old girl population.

The two vaccines licensed for use in Europe are Cervarix and Gardasil. They protect against 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

They do not, however, cure existing infections, so they should be given to girls before they become sexually active. HPV vaccines offer the greatest health benefits to individuals who receive all three doses before having any type of sexual activity.

The process had to be put on hold because of an appeal that was lodged by one of the competitors. This has now been concluded and the decision taken by Health Department was upheld.