A group of first year students at Kilbeggan Secondary School were the first in Westmeath to receive the free HPV vaccine by the HSE this week. The HPV vaccine will protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults.
The HSE confirmed that during 2010, all girls who are now in first year and all girls who are starting first year in September will be offered the HPV 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.
Dr Johanna Joyce, prinicipal medical officer, HSE Midlands, said, “The HPV vaccination programme is about the protection of the future health of this generation of young girls in Ireland. The clear impact of the programme in the prevention of cervical cancer will most likely be seen in 20-30 years.
“We hope to achieve a high uptake for this new programme of over 80 per cent for a completed three-dose vaccine course.”
A detailed information pack and consent form was sent to parents of those schools beginning vaccinations. Parents whose daughters’ vaccinations begin in September will also be sent a flyer from the HSE, outlining the programme, their daughter’s start date, and where they can get more information in the meantime.
More information on the HPV vaccine programme is available from a dedicated HSE website www.hpv.ie
