Teenagers have been urged to take advantage of vital protection against cervical cancer.

A new immunisation programme, run by NHS Sutton and Merton community services, will target teenage girls who have not yet had the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination.

Dr Boaventura Rodrigues, consultant in public health, said: “The benefits of introducing this vaccine will be felt by women and their families for generations to come.”

Girls aged 12 to 18 and born after September 1, 1990, should book an appointment at new weekly clinics in Wimbledon and Mitcham. Health bosses urged teenagers to act fast, as from August 31 the vaccination will not be available to women 18 or older.

The sessions will run from 3pm to 5pm at the Wide Way surgery in Wide Way, Mitcham, on Wednesdays and the Patrick Doody clinic in Pelham Road, Wimbledon, on Thursdays.

For more information call the service’s children’s immunisation team on 020 8254 8283 or email smpct.immunisationteam@nhs.net.