Marie Sherlock
Question:786. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the Laura Brennan programme will be restarted as part of the Budget 2026 public health initiative to increase immunisation. [56735/25]
View answerTuesday, 21 October 2025
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The Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme ran from December 2022 to December 2023.
Increasing vaccination uptake rates in the routine HPV vaccination programme is vital in order for Ireland to achieve elimination of cervical cancer by its target date of 2040. The World Health Organisation has set a target for all countries to ensure that 90% of girls are vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is a preventative measure, it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection. Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school.
In 2025, the HSE is running a pilot programme which will focus on improving the HPV vaccination rates among underserved communities, including Traveller, Roma and migrant groups living in Ireland. The pilot will provide access to targeted information and support that facilitates these groups to make an informed choice in relation to vaccination.
In July 2025, I agreed to put in place an HPV catch up vaccination programme in schools for older school students who had missed out on getting the vaccine in first year. The HSE is also currently exploring options to identify a suitable delivery model for those aged under 25 who have left school. Funding and resources from Budget 2026 will be considered as part of the preparation of the HSE National Service Plan for 2026.