Dr. Kevin Connolly:

I would strongly recommend that she get it. I would also recommend that boys get it, because they are equally likely to transmit the virus. They do not get cervical cancer but they get other cancers. I would very strongly recommend it. That is the first point.

The figure of eight years with regard to the effectiveness of the vaccine is based on measurements of its effectiveness in other countries where it is used. It is now known that it is effective for at least ten years, which is the length of time it has been in use. The effectiveness of the vaccine has been shown in Australia in particular, but also, as Dr. Kelleher mentioned, in Scotland and Denmark. This applies to both the reduction in the incidence of warts and the reduction in high-risk cell changes, as well as so-called correlates of immunity. Does that answer the Deputy's question?