Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026

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Thursday, 9 July 2026

Questions (378, 379, 380)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

378. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health if her Department will consider a catch-up HPV vaccine programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52334/26]

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

379. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the actions her Department is taking to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52335/26]

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

380. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the efforts to increase HPV vaccine coverage among men and boys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52336/26]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378, 379 and 380 together.

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.

The Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme is offering HPV vaccination to 5th and 6th year students in secondary school for the 2025/2026 academic year, as a once off opportunity, for those who previously missed the HPV vaccine while in first year of secondary school.

Further plans are underway to offer a HPV catch-up opportunity to 2nd - 5th year students, in secondary school for the academic year 2026/2027, for those who previously missed the HPV vaccine while in first year of school. Delivery models are currently being considered for those who have left school and are under the age of 25.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 378.

Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 378.

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