The vaccine, marketed as Gardasil, will be available from pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. It is not yet available under the Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and it costs 450 U.S. dollars.

    Gardasil aims to halt the spread of sexually-transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes 70 percent of cervical cancer.

    In worldwide clinical trials involving more than 20,000 mostly sexually active women, the vaccine was 100 percent effective in preventing cervical cancers, and 99 percent effective in preventing two types of warts.

    Gardasil is recommended for girls and women aged from 12 to 26.

    Dr Gerry Wain, the New South Wales cervical screening program's scientific director, said it is a great day for women's health.

    "We've been managing very well at preventing cervical cancer with cervical screening up till now with pap tests but this gives us an additional method of preventing this terrible disease," he said.

    But cancer experts also warned women it did not mean the end of pap smears, the traditional screening test to pick up signs of cervical cancer.

    According to The Australia, Australian federal health experts continue to assess an application from its makers to include it in the free national immunisation program for all girls.

    Meanwhile, Britain is considering whether to introduce a primary school vaccination program against cervical cancer, the Telegraph reported.

    British scientists believe the vaccine should be given to girls before they become sexually active to maximise their protection, but there are ethical and moral concerns that vaccinating young girls would encourage sexual promiscuity.

    In Britain, of the 3000 or so women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, more than a third die. Most cases are caused by HPV infection. Enditem

    (Agencies)