Parents face higher cervical vaccine cost as relief is cut

PARENTS will find the cost of having their daughters vaccinated against cervical cancer will be more expensive next year because of the reduction in tax relief on medical expenses.

The Irish Cancer Society has warned that a parent who has a daughter vaccinated before the end of the year at a cost of €600 will qualify for €246 tax relief. But, from January 1, the relief will be capped at €120.

The society is concerned some parents might be deterred from getting their daughters vaccinated because of the reduction and that the situation was inequitable because only those girls whose parents can afford the vaccination will get it.