HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Programme
A HPV vaccination programme for first year girls in secondary school was introduced in 2010. The vaccine (named Gardasil) protects against the types of HPV that cause 7 out of 10 of all cervical cancers. It also protects against genital warts. The objective is to achieve an uptake of over 80% for the completed three dose vaccine course. The vaccination programme in conjunction with population based cervical screening can significantly reduce the overall incidence of cervical cancer.
One of the commitments in the Programme for Government is for the introduction of a HPV catch-up vaccination programme for girls in sixth year in second level schools. This will get under way in September 2011. It will be repeated in September 2012 and 2013. All girls in first year in secondary schools will continue to be offered the HPV vaccine each year.
The HSE will distribute information packs to parents and schools in September.
Further information on the implementation of this programme by the HSE is available at www.hpv.ie.
