SOUTHERN Downs women are being reminded of the importance of regular pap smear tests, even if they have had the cervical cancer vaccine.

DDHHS Mobile Women's Health Nurse Kath Anning said many women falsely believed the test was unnecessary if they were vaccinated.

"All women who have ever had sex are recommended to commence having pap smears between the ages of 18 and 20 years, or two years after first having sex, whichever is later, even if they have had the cervical cancer vaccine," Ms Anning said.

"The vaccine provides effective protection against four types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause an abnormal pap smear result but does not protect against all the HPV types."

Ms Anning conducts pap smears as part of the Mobile Women's Health Service.

Clinics will operate at the Warwick Hospital on Wednesday, October 21 and in Clifton on Tuesday, October 27 from 9am to 3pm.

The service is free and confidential and is available to all women.

"A pap smear every two years can prevent the most common forms of cervical cancer in up to 90% of cases and is the best protection against cervical cancer," Ms Anning said.

The health nurse also provides a range of other services including breast awareness and sexual health screening, as well as advice for issues such as continence, menopause, contraception and general wellbeing.

Appointments are necessary as places fill quickly.

For an appointment in Warwick phone 4660 3841 or for an appointment in Clifton phone 4697 3097.