A vaccine for cervical cancer was launched in Hong Kong for the first time yesterday after it was administered to two young local females in the city.

This was announced by two doctors from the Chinese University of Hong Kong at a press conference yesterday. The vaccination is said to be effective against the HPV virus, which primarily causes cervical cancer. But since the virus is not the only cause of cancer, physical check-up is still necessary, they said.

Twenty-one-year-old Ms Chau and 10-year-old Tam were vaccinated against cervical cancer, Lillian Chan from the Cancer Crusade Angels Service Society of Hong Kong said.

The vaccination was the first in a series of three injections received by Ms Chau and Ms Tam. The second will be administered in two months' time, while the third will be administered in three months, she said.

Lo Wing-kit, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said the vaccine has been recommended for female between the age of 9 and 26, ideally before they become sexually active.

Describing the effectiveness of the vaccine, Lo said: "The vaccine protects against four types of Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV), namely HPV6, 11, 16 and 18. HPV 6 and 11 are known to cause sexually transmitted infections, while HPV 16 and 18 are associated with two-third of all cervical cancers.

Although the majority of HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer, the virus can cause various cervical abnormalities that can lead to cancer, or develop into sexually transmitted diseases, Lo added.

"The vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of developing such abnormalities, which means it can help users avoid repeated tests and treatments, and the medical expenses," said Cheung Tak-hong, Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CUHK.

The injection costs about HK$1,500 each, making it HK$4,500 for the complete course.

The vaccination, however, does not eliminate the need for regular cervical screening, since there are other factors leading to cervical cancer. Women aged 27 or above, or those who are already sexually active, should consult their doctors for possible use, Cheung said.

The vaccine has been approved and registered in 43 countries and regions, including Hong Kong in October 2006.

A survey conducted by the Social Sciences Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), however, shows that there is a high level of willingness for vaccination in the community.

While only 18 per cent of the 224 respondents were aware that a new cervical cancer vaccine would be available in HK, 96 per cent said they would like to have further details.

Cervical cancer is said to be the second most common cancer found in women worldwide.