Written answers
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Department of Health
Vaccination Programme
9:00 pm
Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to instruct the Health Service Executive to ensure that all parents are aware of the side effects of the human papilloma virus vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32988/11]
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE provides all parents/guardians with an information booklet on HPV vaccination. The booklet includes information on possible side effects.
The HSE also provides additional information sources at www.hpv.ie and www.immunisation.ie. This includes information translated into eight languages as well as more details on the safety and side effects of the vaccine. Individual queries can be sent to either website and these are replied to by doctors in the HSE National Immunisation Office within one working day. For those who do not have access to the internet and who require additional assurances and information, the letter to parents contains contact information for Local Immunisation Teams and details of the HSE Information line.
I am satisfied with the level of information being provided to parents by the HSE regarding possible side effects of the HPV vaccine.
Cathal Garvey
Posted on 10 Nov 2011 6:08 pm (Report this comment)
This answer is incorrect.
It is not true to say that "all parents/guardians with an information booklet on HPV vaccination".
The HSE requires the consent of ONE PARENT ONLY even though all children have two parents. One parent (generally the mother) can consent to the vaccination and have it carried out without the fathers knowledge, approval or consent.