Girls aged 12 and 13 will be able to have a vaccination against the humanpapilloma virus - which is transmitted by sexual intercourse and implicated in up to 70 per cent of cervical cancers – from September.

It will then be offered to 16, 17 and 18-year-olds next year.

But for those who do not want to wait, Warwick Hospital is offering it privately in a special clinic.

The vaccination service, including full counselling and a series of three injections, costs £400 - which could be the reason why the clinic has only seen a handful of patients.

Gynae-oncology clinical nurse specialist Tina Sunderland said: "The uptake has been slow since it started in November, but since cervical cancer awareness week - Jan 21 to 27 - we have had four patients booked in and one patient has started treatment.

"When we see patients we have to emphasise it is not a substitute for cervical screening or safe sex. It does not protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases such as clyamedia or all strains of the humanpapilloma virus."

Consultant Karl Olah is optimistic about the impact of the vaccine.

He said: "The vaccine is most effective from an age before puberty, as when sexual activity commences the risks of being exposed to the virus are higher.

"That is why the national vaccination programme will target that group - 11-year-olds. However, older women could still benefit, and it is not known how effective it would be in this age group."

Mr Olah added: "The vaccine will go some way to prevent the cancer, although we have to await the results of mass inoculation. It will not prevent the cancer completely though, as there are other factors involved in the causes of the disease."

l Anyone with queries can call 495321 ext 8122 or to book a private appointment ring 600006.