The Department of Health has recommended that all children aged 11 take the vaccine against Human Papillomavirus.

The vaccine is effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity.

The HPV vaccine was approved last year as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, and is available for free at the Hamilton Health Centre, 8.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday.

The virus, which is sexually transmitted, is common. More than half of sexually active persons will contract an infection during their lifetime.

Most most will show no symptoms of infection, which go away without treatment, or persist.

Some cases lead to warts on the genitals or in the throat, some of which may develop into cancers — especially cervical cancer in women. Multiple types of HPV exist, and the present vaccine protects against four.

The vaccine is shown to prevent many types of infection.

Described as safe and effective, the vaccine is administered in three injections over six months, with the most common side effects being pain and redness at the site of injection, mild fever and headache.

There are no booster shots recommended. The HPV vaccine may also be available at private physicians’ offices.