Cervical cancer vaccine dose in July

SCHOOLGIRLS needing a second dose of the cervical cancer vaccine in July should not let the school holidays interrupt their participation in the programme, a group representing second-level parents has urged.

Rose Tully of the National Parents’ Council – Post Primary, said she was glad the HPV vaccination would begin next week in 21 schools around the country, with the first dose of three given to girls in first year.

“It was held up for so long that I welcome the fact it is now available,” she said.

“I believe that parents who are serious about their daughters taking part in the campaign will certainly bring them for their second vaccination during the summer.”

All three doses of the vaccine should be given within one year – the second dose should be administered at least one month after the first and the third should be administered at least three months after the second dose.

Ms Tully said she did not know of any parent who had objected to the second dose being administered during July and urged those who were reluctant to have their daughters vaccinated to consult their family doctor.

“I believe anything that prevents disease should be looked at seriously. Parents should inform themselves about the vaccination, what it prevents and encourage their young people to avail of it,” she said.

The HSE is establishing dedicated clinics for the schoolgirls to get their second vaccination in July that will be located in areas convenient to the school or town concerned.

About 1,500 girls in total are being offered the vaccine.

* More information is available at www.hpv.ie or www.immunisation.ie.