Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
168. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that the current catch-up arrangements are sufficiently flexible for students who miss their routine HPV vaccination; and whether provision can be made to allow such students to access the vaccine free of charge. [51051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is informed on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are selected, where possible, in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. The HPV vaccine is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
The HPV vaccine is currently offered, free of charge, to boys and girls in first year of secondary school and is administered through the School Immunisation Programme. It is critical that the HPV vaccine is administered early and before any likely exposure to HPV.
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.
