Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Following the introduction of human papilloma virus, HPV, vaccine internationally its safety, as is the case with all other vaccines, is being carefully monitored. At national level, the Irish Medicines Board is responsible for monitoring national and international emerging evidence about vaccine safety. The Irish Medicines Board, IMB, is also represented on the national immunisation advisory committee.

My Department has not been informed of any scientifically peer-reviewed research that indicates the HPV vaccine may be unsafe. However, I have been informed by the IMB of media reports in the US and EU that described some cases with fatalities following vaccination with the HPV vaccine. These cases have been reviewed by the authorities responsible in the jurisdictions in which they occurred and a relationship between the vaccine and these fatalities could not be established.

As is being done in other jurisdictions, Ireland is now considering the potential role of HPV vaccination in addressing the problem of cervical cancer prevention. The national immunisation advisory committee has recently undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of HPV following a request from my Department. The NIAC and the national cancer screening service agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested that the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, undertake this study. International evidence as to the safety profile and side-effects of vaccines is considered by NIAC in formulating its advice and is kept under constant review. I understand the HIQA assessment will be completed in January.

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