The HSE launched a national catch-up initiative for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, visiting post-primary schools to offer free inoculations to students in second, third, fourth, and fifth year who missed earlier doses. The rollout follows recent public health data highlighting the vaccine’s efficacy against cervical and other related cancers.
HSE School Vaccination Teams Target Missed Doses
Vaccination teams are visiting post-primary schools across Ireland to administer the vaccine to students who did not receive it during their first year of secondary school, according to the Health Service Executive. Home-educated young people born between September 1, 2006, and August 31, 2009, are also eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge through the initiative. Children aged 15 or under require consent from a parent or guardian before receiving the jab.
The current effort builds on preliminary data from the initial phase of the catch-up programme, which showed that more than 2,000 young people who previously missed their scheduled vaccination received the dose. Routine administration of the HPV vaccine continues to be offered annually to boys and girls in their first year of secondary school.
Evidence of Cancer Prevention and Public Health Impact
The HPV vaccine provides protection against a range of human papillomavirus-related malignancies, including cervical cancer, head and neck tumours, and cancers of the penis and anus. Recent findings published in The Lancet demonstrated a dramatic drop in cervical cancer deaths among young women in England following the introduction of their national HPV vaccination programme, with zero cervical cancer deaths recorded among women aged 20 to 24 between 2020 and 2024.
The Irish catch-up programme operates in the legacy of the late Laura Brennan, whose public advocacy significantly increased awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine in Ireland prior to her death from cervical cancer at age 26. Her mother, Bernie Brennan, urged families to take advantage of the current initiative, noting that prevention remains critical in eliminating HPV-related disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the HPV catch-up programme?
The initiative is open to second, third, fourth, and fifth-year secondary school students who missed receiving the vaccine in first year. Home-educated young people born between September 1, 2006, and August 31, 2009, are also eligible.
Is the catch-up vaccine free?
Yes, the vaccine is provided free of charge by the HSE through participating post-primary schools and designated vaccination pathways.
What cancers does the HPV vaccine prevent?
According to health authorities, the vaccine protects against human papillomavirus infections that can lead to cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and specific head and neck tumours in both men and women.
Related reading