Cervical Cancer Vaccination Programme to begin this month
The HPV Vaccine to protect girls from cervical cancer will begin in second level schools next week, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney. 10/05/10“It has been confirmed that the HPV Vaccination Programme will start in schools next week.”
“The HPV vaccine will protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults and will be available free of charge from the Health Service Executive.”
“All girls who are now in first year and all girls who are starting first year in September will be offered the vaccine. Vaccines will in the most part be given to girls in second-level schools by HSE immunisation teams, with some girls being invited to special clinics for their vaccine.”
“The first schools will be visited during May 2010, with the remainder of schools commencing the programme in September 2010. Parents and schools will be sent information by the HSE in the coming week, letting them know of the programme and when their daughter’s vaccinations will begin.”
“I am delighted that the vaccine is being introduced. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer and each woman has a role to play in ensuring that she keeps herself healthy and out of danger.”
“The cervical cancer screening programme provides free smears tests for women aged between 25 and 60 and this is another very important step in prevention.”
“More information on cervical cancer is available from local GPs or from any Family Planning Clinic. The national Cancer Helpline can also help with queries and is contactable on 01 800 200 700 More information on the HPV vaccine programme is available from a dedicated HSE website www.hpv.ie,” Deputy Blaney concluded.
