Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP is urging the Scottish Government to use the cervical cancer vaccine campaign to inform schoolgirls about contraceptives and the risks of STI.

Schoolgirls in Scotland will be the first to receive the Cervarix vaccination that targets the HPV virus, thought to be responsible for 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“The vaccination programme is a chance for health workers to engage with young girls and tell them of the risks of unprotected sex. STI rates are soaring and recent statistics showed increasing levels of teenage pregnancy.

"It’s really important that these girls realise that this jab is not a contraceptive, nor will it protect them against many sexually transmitted infections.

“I was disappointed that the Scottish Government withdrew contraceptive information from the leaflet that was sent out to promote the vaccination programme. This is a golden opportunity to right that wrong.”