Calls for commitment to restore it as soon as possible

The Irish Cancer Society has expressed its serious disappointment at the decision of the Health Minister to cancel the HPV vaccination programme for 12-year-old girls, due to cuts in spending caused by the economic downturn.

“We welcomed the decision to roll out this vaccination programme for 12 year old girls as a progressive measure, a safe and effective programme aimed at preventing the virus which is one of the biggest risks in developing cervical cancer” said Kathleen O’Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications at the Irish Cancer Society.

“The Minister has stated that the decision is due to spending cuts caused by the economic downturn and that her priority is the development of the cervical screening programme and treatment services at the eight designated centres”

“This is very welcome but at the same time we ask the Minister to make a clear commitment to the restoration of the vaccination programme at the earliest possible opportunity”, she said.