Cervical vaccine ruling puts women at risk

THE Government has dealt yet another blow to the fight against cervical cancer. The Department of Health has decided that a new vaccine against the disease will not be made available on the medical card scheme or reimbursable under community drug schemes.

This decision, made on cold financial grounds, will put the lives of Irishwomen at risk. The new vaccine, Gardasil, is available in three separate doses, but the cost to women is prohibitive. Including GP consultations, the treatment can cost up to €600.

Clearly, this is beyond what many women can afford and there are reports that some have taken out loans to pay for the vaccination.