Vaccine for girls - Issue needs to be looked at carefully

The joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children has called for the introduction of a new vaccine programme to ensure that girls between the ages of 11 and 12 are protected against cervical cancer before they become sexually active.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has yet to recommend whether the vaccination should be used on a national scale to ensure that all girls are protected.

The new Gadasil vaccine prevents up to 70% of human papilloma virus (HPV) infections, which can cause cancer of the cervix. Up to 80% of sexually active women will suffer an HPV infection at some time in their lives. In most women the virus that can cause tumours will disappear over time, but some women have difficulty getting rid of it.