16 HEALTH MATTERS vaccines
VACCINATION PROGRAMME PROTECTS GIRLS FROM CERVICAL CANCER
The HPV Vaccination Programme to protect girls from Cervical Cancer began in May – Dr Brenda Corcoran from the HSE National Immunisation Office provides an update.
More information on the HPV vaccine programme is available from a dedicated HSE website
www.hpv.ie
Q&A ON HPV VACCINE AND CERVICAL CANCER
+ Dr Maureen O' Leary, Senior Medical Officer HSE, administers the HPv vaccine to a student of jesus and Mary School, Goatstown, Dublin.
he HPV Vaccination Programme began in second-level schools during the week of may 17th, where 21 schools across the country were visited by HSE Immunisation Teams. The first of three doses of the HPV vaccine was given to 1st Year girls in these schools. From September onward, all second-level schools will be visited and the vaccine will be offered to all 1st Year and all 2nd Year girls.
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The HPV vaccine will protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults and will be available free of charge from the HSE. Parents and schools have been sent information by the HSE, letting them know of the programme and when their daughter’s vaccinations will begin. Launching the programme in May, Dr Kevin Kelleher, Head of Health Protection with the HSE 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”.
WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER? It is cancer of a woman’s cervix, the entrance to the womb. Each year in Ireland, about 250 women get cervical cancer, and 80 women die from it. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV.
WHAT IS HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is a group of over 100 viruses. Most people will get a HPV infection during their lifetime, from sexual activity. Most of these infections do not need treatment, but in some women, HPV causes changes in the cervix that can develop into cervical cancer.
WHAT VACCINE IS AVAILABLE TO PROTECT AGAINST HPV? From 2010, a HPV vaccine will be offered to young girls in Ireland. This vaccine is called Gardasil and protects against the types of HPV that cause seven out of ten of all cervical cancers.
WHO IS BEING OFFERED THE VACCINE? The HSE is offering the vaccine to: • All girls who are now in 6th Class and going into 1st Year this September • All girls who are now in 1st year and going into 2nd Year this September Most girls will be vaccinated at school by HSE immunisation teams. Some will be invited to attend a HSE clinic to get the vaccine. Arrangements are also being made to vaccinate girls who are not attending second-level schools, e.g. those who are home schooled or in special schools.
“we hope to achieve a high uptake for this new programme of over 80 per cent, for a completed three-dose vaccine course.”
WHEN ARE VACCINATIONS BEGINNING? Some schools will begin HPV vaccinations in May and some in September. Parents will be sent information from the HSE in the coming weeks letting them know when their daughter’s vaccinations begin.
WHY IS THIS AGE GROUP BEING VACCINATED? We are offering the vaccine to this age group so that they are protected before adulthood and likely exposure to HPV. Older girls will not be vaccinated in this programme but they can get the vaccine privately from their GP.
IS THE HPV VACCINE SAFE? yes, it has shown to be very safe, with 60 million doses already given worldwide.
HOW MANY DOSES ARE NEEDED? Three doses of the vaccine over six to 12 months are needed to give full protection.
HOW CAN GIRLS BE PROTECTED FROM THIS CANCER AS ADULTS? The vaccine protects against seven out of ten cervical cancers, so it is still important for girls to have regular smear tests when they are adults. You can read more about HPV and cervical cancer on
www.hpv.ie
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