A LIVERPOOL GP branded the sale of a £400 vaccine to prevent cervical cancer at a city pharmacy “unnecessary” last night.

Rob Barnett, secretary of Liverpool’s local medical committee, said the decision by Boots to offer the HPV vaccine privately was “over the top”.

The jab is currently given to school girls on the NHS, but Boots will now offer it to those aged 18-54 in several pharmacies, including Liverpool’s Clayton Square store, and its main branch in the centre of Chester.

Dr Barnett said: “It is unnecessary.

“The reason it is given at a young age is because if you are already sexually active there is a big doubt whether the vaccine would make any difference. If you have already been exposed to the virus, then the vaccine will not protect you.

“Also, if it is detected that women are more susceptible to the virus during a smear, they are offered it.

“There aren’t going to be many people who need it that are not offered it on the NHS.” But Dr Graham Marshall, Boots Medical Director, said the vaccine would help a lot of women develop immunity to the virus.

“Pharmacists are well- placed to offer this service with convenient high street locations and a welcoming, familiar atmosphere.”