HSE sees increase in number of girls getting HPV vaccine
Health Minister Simon Harris welcomed the increase in uptake rates of the vaccine and the fact that nearly two in every three girls are now getting the HPV Vaccine.
Speaking today at the launch of Phase Two of the HPV Vaccine Information Campaign, Minister Harris said: "This vaccine saves lives and prevents cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents the most common strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The HPV Vaccination Programme and this campaign aim to support parents in ensuring their daughters get the vaccine and get protected.
"I know that parents want to do everything possible to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases.”
Minister Harris thanked all those involved in the campaign. In particular, the Minister praised speaker and advocate Laura Brennan, who has cervical cancer.
He added: “Vaccination teams are returning to schools in the coming weeks to administer the second dose of the HPV vaccine. I encourage the parents of any girl who missed the first dose to take advantage of this opportunity for their daughter to receive this important and lifesaving vaccine.”
There has been an 11% increase in the number of girls getting the HPV vaccine.
HSE figures show the uptake level so far this year is 62%, compared to 51% last year.
It follows several years of decline - due to what medical experts say were unfounded fears about side effects.
A new campaign is being launched today to get the figure even higher, to protect girls against cervical cancer.
Dr Brenda Corcoran, who is with the HSE's National Immunisation Office, said: "Our main aim is to prevent girls developing cervical cancer or even the pre-cancers that require the girls getting significant hospital treatment.
"This vaccine prevents many of them, seven out of 10 of those cancers, so it will have a long-term impact on those girls' well-being and we strongly advocate all parents to consider this vaccine and to get this vaccine as soon as possible."
