Menu
07/12/2018
HPV Vaccine Extended To Boys
The HPV vaccine is to be extended to boys following a recommendation from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The watchdog published information from a health technology assessment (HTA) on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of offering the jab to boys, suggesting that it could be altered slightly to achieve maximum success.
Girls in their first year of secondary school are currently offered the vaccine which protects against four types of the virus, since it was introduced in 2010.
In total, 538 cancers associated with HPV are diagnosed in Ireland every year.
Changing to a more effective version and rolling it out to boys will cost almost €12million over the next five years.
Dr Máirín Ryan from HIQA said the programme will be beneficial to all who receive it.
"Extending the HPV vaccine to boys provides direct protection against HPV-related disease to boys, indirect protection to girls who have not been vaccinated and would reduce HPV-related disease and mortality in Ireland.
"Over 20 years, a gender-neutral nine-valent programme will prevent an estimated 101 additional cases of cervical cancer compared with the current girls-only 4-valent programme."
Dr Ryan continued: "The burden of HPV-related disease is substantial. It is responsible for approximately one in every 20 cases of cancer across the world.
"It is likely that gender neutral nine-valent vaccination would also be cost-effective in light of the conservative assumptions used with regard to final cost, uptake rate and protection provided against all types of cancers."
Minister for Health Simon Harris announced the news, saying the efficacy of vaccination is well documented.
"There have been attempts to spread fear and scaremonger. This came to light here when there was an attempt to link the HPV vaccine with serious side effects.
"This can have negative, and potentially long-lasting consequences, particularly when such views are spread through online media."
Minister Harris noted that the anti-vaccination campaigns in Ireland led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the injection, but commended the work of the health authority for promoting the HPV Information Campaign which has resulted in an increase in those opting to have the jab to 65% in 2018.
(JG)
The watchdog published information from a health technology assessment (HTA) on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of offering the jab to boys, suggesting that it could be altered slightly to achieve maximum success.
Girls in their first year of secondary school are currently offered the vaccine which protects against four types of the virus, since it was introduced in 2010.
In total, 538 cancers associated with HPV are diagnosed in Ireland every year.
Changing to a more effective version and rolling it out to boys will cost almost €12million over the next five years.
Dr Máirín Ryan from HIQA said the programme will be beneficial to all who receive it.
"Extending the HPV vaccine to boys provides direct protection against HPV-related disease to boys, indirect protection to girls who have not been vaccinated and would reduce HPV-related disease and mortality in Ireland.
"Over 20 years, a gender-neutral nine-valent programme will prevent an estimated 101 additional cases of cervical cancer compared with the current girls-only 4-valent programme."
Dr Ryan continued: "The burden of HPV-related disease is substantial. It is responsible for approximately one in every 20 cases of cancer across the world.
"It is likely that gender neutral nine-valent vaccination would also be cost-effective in light of the conservative assumptions used with regard to final cost, uptake rate and protection provided against all types of cancers."
Minister for Health Simon Harris announced the news, saying the efficacy of vaccination is well documented.
"There have been attempts to spread fear and scaremonger. This came to light here when there was an attempt to link the HPV vaccine with serious side effects.
"This can have negative, and potentially long-lasting consequences, particularly when such views are spread through online media."
Minister Harris noted that the anti-vaccination campaigns in Ireland led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the injection, but commended the work of the health authority for promoting the HPV Information Campaign which has resulted in an increase in those opting to have the jab to 65% in 2018.
(JG)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 September 2019
Govt Seek To Improve Vaccination Rates
The Department of Health is bringing together a group to boost the uptake of childhood vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy. The Vaccine Alliance will include healthcare professionals, policy makers, patient advocates, students, and representatives from groups most affected by vaccine hesitancy.
Govt Seek To Improve Vaccination Rates
The Department of Health is bringing together a group to boost the uptake of childhood vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy. The Vaccine Alliance will include healthcare professionals, policy makers, patient advocates, students, and representatives from groups most affected by vaccine hesitancy.
27 August 2019
Labour Call For HPV Vaccine To Be Extended Further
The Labour party has urged the Minister for Health to examine the next steps in extending the HPV vaccine further. Alan Kelly's comments come after the Department introduced the vaccine for school aged boys, nine years after the measure was first introduced for girls.
Labour Call For HPV Vaccine To Be Extended Further
The Labour party has urged the Minister for Health to examine the next steps in extending the HPV vaccine further. Alan Kelly's comments come after the Department introduced the vaccine for school aged boys, nine years after the measure was first introduced for girls.
12 March 2019
HPV Uptake Increases To 70%
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the uptake rate for the HPV vaccine has reached 70%, marking an increase of 20% over the last two years. It comes as the HSE Vaccination Teams return to second level schools across the country to administer the second dose of the vaccine to first year girls.
HPV Uptake Increases To 70%
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the uptake rate for the HPV vaccine has reached 70%, marking an increase of 20% over the last two years. It comes as the HSE Vaccination Teams return to second level schools across the country to administer the second dose of the vaccine to first year girls.
01 September 2014
Over 42,000 Girls Receive HPV Cervical Cancer Vaccine
More than 42,000 girls have been immunised as part of the HPC vacciniation campaign, according to the HSE. The routine programme for first year girls during 2012/2013 has been well received with an uptake rate of 84% for the three vaccine doses, well above the target of 80% uptake rate.
Over 42,000 Girls Receive HPV Cervical Cancer Vaccine
More than 42,000 girls have been immunised as part of the HPC vacciniation campaign, according to the HSE. The routine programme for first year girls during 2012/2013 has been well received with an uptake rate of 84% for the three vaccine doses, well above the target of 80% uptake rate.
14 February 2020
FG Disgust At SF TD's Opposition To HPV Vaccine
Fine Gael have expressed their disgust at newly elected Sinn Féin TD Violet-Anne Wynne's opposition to the HPV vaccine and other vaccines. Deputy Joe Carey from Clare said Sinn Féin's Violet-Anne Wynne must not be allowed to undo the work of those who promote or advocate the importance of getting the HPV vaccine.
FG Disgust At SF TD's Opposition To HPV Vaccine
Fine Gael have expressed their disgust at newly elected Sinn Féin TD Violet-Anne Wynne's opposition to the HPV vaccine and other vaccines. Deputy Joe Carey from Clare said Sinn Féin's Violet-Anne Wynne must not be allowed to undo the work of those who promote or advocate the importance of getting the HPV vaccine.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
