Mims Davies MP has welcomed two bold Government announcements on teenage health and education.
Public Health Minister Steve Brine, MP for Winchester, has announced that boys aged between 12 and 13 in England will be given a vaccine to protect them against HPV-related cancers, following new scientific evidence and advice from an independent panel of experts.
The vaccine will offer boys protection to 5% of cancers – such as oral, throat and anal cancer – but will also help to reduce the overall number of cervical cancers in women.
Commenting Mims said,
‘It is GREAT that these protections will be offered to teenage boys in Eastleigh after this vaccine scheme has had such success with girls over recent years.’
The announcement comes after Hampshire MP and Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds launched new relationship and health education in schools.
All schools from September 2020 will teach children about good physical and mental health, how to stay safe on and offline, and the importance of healthy relationships.
Mims said,
‘This is a bold update that will radically overhaul what has previously only been referred to as “the birds and the bees” – animals and insects don’t cut it anymore when ensuring our youngsters are given the skills they need in this pressured modern age.
‘The original guidance is nearly 20 years old, and we all know how much life has changed and progressed since then.
‘We want teachers and parents to be supported on how to tackle these taboo topics so our younger generations grow as well-rounded and happy individuals.’