Clune welcomes high uptake of HPV cervical cancer vaccine

I would like to welcome the news of the large number of girls who have availed of the 2011/2012 HPV vaccination campaign.

“This initiative, which was spearheaded by the HSE provided invaluable protection for 44,000 girls from developing cervical cancer.

According to official figures, the numbers have exceeded the targets set by the HSE.

“The routine vaccine programme for first year girls was chosen by 86% of students and for 6 th  year girls the uptake was 72%.

The numbers of girls in first year and 6 th  year girls who received the vaccine were very strong with both groups going beyond the initial goal.

These levels of co-operation are at a similar rate or better than other countries.

“Every year inIreland, approximately 250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and sadly, 80 of these women will die as a result of this disease.

70% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Gardasil, which is the vaccine used here inIrelandsafeguards against these strains will ensure that girls will not develop this devastating illness later on in life.

“It is important for all parents of girls of school age to look into this vaccine option and inform themselves fully on what is a life saving move.

I would like to congratulate the various staff and organisations who made this great work possible and who are protecting the future of high numbers of our daughters and sisters.