HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Program to Launch in Schools
The government is set to implement a catch-up program for the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine in schools “without delay,” which could potentially benefit around 75,000 students, according to Tánaiste Simon Harris.
This initiative aims to extend the Laura Brennan HPV catch-up vaccination program to anyone under 25 who missed their initial vaccinations. The focus of the first phase will be on students currently enrolled in secondary schools.
HPV consists of various viruses that can affect the genital region as well as the mouth and throat. The National Cancer Registry reported last year that approximately 641 new cases of HPV-related cancers and around 196 cancer fatalities occur annually in Ireland—many of which might be preventable through vaccination.
Women are reportedly twice as likely to succumb to these illnesses compared to men.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has made the decision to roll out this school-based HPV vaccine catch-up program promptly, as Harris noted.
This initiative aims to provide another chance for students who were previously offered the HPV vaccine to receive it now.
On the other hand, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman pointed out that the vaccine would cost €600 for anyone who has already left school.
He raised this concern in the Dáil, citing the example of 20-year-old Lucy, who missed her HPV vaccine at school and now wishes to receive it.
According to O’Gorman, the total cost for Lucy, including initial appointments, multiple shots, and necessary GP visits, amounts to €600. As a third-level student, she likely does not have that kind of disposable income.
He questioned the reasoning behind making her pay for what could be life-saving vaccinations, especially since the government had recently pledged to reinstate the Laura Brennan HPV catch-up campaign.
In response, the Tánaiste mentioned that the Minister is looking into ways to establish an effective delivery model for those under 25 who are no longer in school. For now, the priority is to vaccinate as many school-going children as possible.
When O’Gorman asserted that Lucy wouldn’t benefit from the program, Harris replied, “we need to make a start. About 75,000 individuals will gain from the catch-up initiative.”
The vaccination program is named after Laura Brennan, a Clare woman who, diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer, campaigned for youth vaccination, describing her condition as “the reality of an unvaccinated girl.” She passed away in 2019 at the age of 26.
It is estimated that with proper screening, HPV vaccination, and effective cervical cancer treatment, cervical cancer could be eradicated as a public health issue in Ireland by 2040.
In a parliamentary response in April regarding the extension of the program for those up to 24 years old, Carroll MacNeill stated that to eliminate cervical cancer, countries need to ensure that 90% of girls receive the HPV vaccine by the time they reach 15.
“Given the competing priorities for vaccinations and high demand for resources, it’s vital that any available resources are allocated where they can achieve the greatest clinical impact,” she added.
