Fall in cervical cancer jab takeup

The number of girls getting the HPV vaccine has fallen to its lowest since it was first introduced in 2010.

The vaccination was introduced eight years ago to local girls aged between 12 and 18 to protect against cervical cancer. 

In response to a freedom of information request the Department of Health and Social Care revealed only 84.2 per cent of the 430 girls eligible for the jab received it in 2016.

At its highest level 92.3 per cent received it in 2011, however latest figures show 2016 was the lowest level since 2010.