I have written to my MP and received a response from the Department of Health which I find wholly unacceptable. Amongst other things, it says ‘the NHS vaccination right for a child therefore does not override a parent’s responsibility to give consent or withhold it’.

Contrast that with what www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv says about the HPV vaccine currently being given to girls:-

Do I have to have it?
Vaccination is not compulsory – consent will be needed before the vaccination. For 12- to 13-year-olds it is most likely that a consent form signed by your parent or guardian will need to be supplied before the vaccine is given. Girls aged 16 and over are legally able to consent for themselves

What if I want the vaccination but my parents would rather I didn’t have it?
You should ask your parents to discuss this with your doctor or nurse to get more information about HPV vaccine, which will protect you against cervical cancer. Once you are 16, the decision is legally yours. Even if you are under 16, if you can show that you fully understand what is involved in having the vaccination, you can still decide for yourself. It is recommended that girls talk to their parents when making the decision. It is important that your parents appreciate that having the vaccination now will protect you from the most common cause of cervical cancer for many years to come. (No-one knows as yet how long protection lasts.)

And the back of the letter sent to parents from Dr Jane Wells, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Berkshire West entitled “Beating Cervical Cancer” which says:-

What if she wants the vaccination but, as her parents, we’d rather she didn’t have it?
You should discuss this with your doctor or nurse to get more advice. The decision is legally hers as long as she understands the issues in giving consent
but the nurse would much rather have your permission as well. It is important for your daughter’s future to appreciate that having the vaccination now will
protect her from the most common cause of cervical cancer for many years to come.

Which version are we to believe and since when did you become an adult at 16?

I have asked my MP to clarify exactly how many members of the JCVI have financial and professional associations with vaccine manufacturers. I think at least 22 have links to GSK, 13 to Sanofi Pasteur and 2 to Wyeth. How can they possibly offer impartial advice?

If you feel strongly about this then please write to your MP about it.