Uptake of cervical cancer jab at 80%

AS the nationwide vaccination of schoolgirls against cervical cancer commenced, the Health Service Executive reported an 80% take-up of a second dose offered to around 1,500 girls in July.

A HSE spokeswoman said they were “quite happy” with the take-up of the vaccine during the summer, which was high by international standards.

There had been concern that the school holidays would interrupt participation by schoolgirls in the initial stage of the programme that began last June.