Anti-cancer vaccine hope
HEALTH minister Simon Harris yesterday announced the HPV cancer vaccine is to be made available to boys too.
It is best known as the jab that vaccinates young girls against cervical cancer. The virus can also lead to tumours in boys – 25 of all cancers caused by HPV are in males.
The HPV Vaccination Alliance described the move as “a good day for the health of future generations”.
Mr Harris extended the vaccination programme after recommendation from the Health Information Quality Authority.
He said: “The efficacy of vaccination is well documented. The virtual eradication of smallpox and elimination of polio, increased protection for women and girls against cervical cancer and protection of the vulnerable against influenza – all are due to vaccination.”
Anti-vaccination campaigns led to uptake rates of the HPV vaccine falling to around 50%.
That kickstarted the HSE to relaunch its HPV Information Campaign which has resulted in those getting the jab climbing to 65% in 2018.
Welcoming Mr Harris’ announcement, Irish Cancer Society chief executive Averil Power said: “Today is a good day for the health of future generations.
“Creating equal opportunities for a life free from cancer is a priority for the Irish Cancer Society.
“Today we celebrate that boys here can soon avail of a vaccine that prevents cancers, free of charge.
“As we look to a future where the number of cancers diagnosed is set to increase, it is a source of hope to know eliminating Hpv-caused cancers is within our grasp.
“From next September, I encourage parents of first-year second-level students – boys and girls – to avail of this free, safe, and life-saving vaccine.”