Written answers

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Department of Health

Vaccination Programme

10:00 pm

Photo of Robert DowdsRobert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Health the information patients, or parents of patients, are currently given before giving their consent to the human papilloma virus vaccination; and if they are not already given information on the benefits and potential risks, if any, of the vaccine, would he support that being done. [19683/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) is responsible for the development of information materials for parents to ensure the highest level of participation. The information given to parents is reviewed and updated regularly. HPV information campaigns in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and EU Member states were reviewed which clearly demonstrated that uptake was highest in countries that provided clear, effective and accessible public information to parents. Content for all the information materials was developed following best practice on informed consent and literacy standards, and using feedback from parents in the target group (1600 girls in 21 schools received their first dose of vaccine in May 2010). The information booklet for parents also addresses key questions about HPV, cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. The website (www.hpv.ie) contains more detailed information including the patient information leaflet for the product used and links to other relevant national and international websites.

Photo of Robert DowdsRobert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Health the current medical evidence that indicates the effectiveness, in terms of duration of protection and the proportion of cervical cancer cases prevented, of the human papilloma virus vaccine in use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19684/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There are over 100 types of Human Papillomaviruses (HPV). Around 40 HPV types can infect the genital tract. Some of these are low-risk types (e.g. HPV 6 and 11) which cause genital warts, while others are high-risk types (e.g. HPV 16, 18, etc.) and are associated with various cancers such as cancer of the cervix.

Gardasil which is the HPV vaccine used in the HSE's vaccination programme protects against HPV types 6,11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for 7 out of 10 cervical cancers and Types 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90% of genital warts. The vaccination programme will, therefore, protect girls from developing 7 out of 10 cervical cancers. The vaccines are not effective in women already infected with those specific types of HPV. All women, including those vaccinated against HPV will still need to be screened under the National Cervical Screening Programme as the vaccine doesn't protect against all forms of HPV.

Data from the continuing long term follow-up of women (16 – 45 years) vaccinated with three doses of Gardasil indicates that immunity (protection against clinical disease) to the HPV subtypes present in the Gardasil vaccine is maintained for at least for five years. Studies monitoring the persistence of immunity over the longer term are ongoing. The results of these will indicate if a booster dose is necessary and if a booster dose is required the secondary school girls currently being vaccinated will be informed.

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