All girls in 1st year in second level schools will be offered the HPV vaccine each year.
There will also be a HPV catch-up vaccination programme for girls in 6th year in second level schools in September 2011. This will be repeated for girls in 6th year in September 2012 and 2013.
Most girls will be vaccinated at school by HSE immunisation teams. Some will be invited to attend a HSE clinic to get the vaccine.
Why was HPV vaccine introduced into the National Immunisation Programme?
The HPV Vaccination Programme was introduced to protect girls from their future risk of cervical cancer.
Why is the HPV vaccine administered through a schools based programme?
Other countries such as Australia and the UK have shown that the best vaccine uptakes are obtained through a school based programme. Data from the UK found that immunisation through a school based programme achieved an uptake rate of 80% compared to 60%from GPs.
How does the school programme work?
The programme will target all girls in 1st year and 6th year of second level schools in September 2011, 2012 and 2013..
From September 2014 the programme will target all girls in 1st year of second level schools as all other girls will have already been offered the vaccine.
All girls require three doses of vaccine with a two month interval between the 1st and 2nd dose and a four month interval between the 2nd and 3rd doses.
What about girls in Special schools?
For special schools, vaccination will be offered in September 2011 to
- all girls who reach 12 years of age between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012
- girls who are 18 years and older on 1st September 2011
- girls who reach 18 years of age between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012
Why is the vaccine being given to 1st year girls?
The vaccine is given routinely to girls in 1st year of second level school so that it is in place well before adulthood and likely exposure to HPV.
Why should a girl in 6th year get the HPV vaccine?
Girls who get the vaccine are far less likely to develop cervical cancer or have genital warts, or other illnesses caused by HPV in the future.
The vaccine will also protect girls against some less common cancers, such as vaginal and vulval cancers.
What if a girl is already sexually active?
The vaccine works best if girls have it before they have any sexual contact with another person. This is why experts recommend girls have the vaccine aged 12–13. But if a girl is already sexually active it’s still a good idea to have the vaccine as it can still give some protection against HPV
What if a girl has already started a course of HPV vaccine?
If a girl has started a private course of HPV vaccine, it is best if she completes that course as planned. If she is to move into the HSE programme, she will need to provide records of her previous vaccinations. This is for the girl’s safety and will allow us to decide if we can include her in our programme. There is a space on the vaccine consent form to fill in this information.
Why is the vaccine given to girls only?
The HPV vaccine is being given to girls to protect them from cervical cancer.
What happens next?
In September schools will send girls and their parents/ guardians the HSE information packs. Please read the booklet, complete the enclosed consent form and return it to the school. If you are giving consent, it is for three doses of HPV vaccine.
Can the vaccine be given to boys?
HPV vaccines have also been shown to be effective in preventing infection in men. Studies are now being done to see if the vaccine should be routinely recommended for boys/men as well.
What should I do if I want to get younger or older sisters vaccinated?
You should wait until your younger or older girls reach First year or Sixth year in second level schools when they will be vaccinated free of charge through the HSE school based programme.
Older girls may visit their GP to obtain the vaccine privately. Younger girls should wait until they reach First Year in second level schools when they will be vaccinated free-of-charge through the HSE school programme.
Do girls who have been vaccinated still need to attend for cervical screening?
Yes. HPV vaccines only protect against 70% of cervical cancers. It is still important that girls to have regular smear tests when they are older.
Linking vaccination information to the Cervical Screening Programme
With consent, we will share girls' vaccination details with the National Cancer Screening Service. These will be linked to her future cancer screening record.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information regarding HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine can be found on the following websites.
Last updated on: 05 / 04 / 2012