Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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61. To ask the Minister for Health if he will continue to support the Irish Cancer Society, NCCP, HSE and the national immunisation office working group focused on improving communication around the vaccine and robust and regular public support for the vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29938/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others, by reducing the spread of disease. Immunisation against infectious disease has saved more lives than any other public health intervention, apart from providing clean water.

Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine protects against two high risk types of HPV (16 & 18) that cause 73% of all cervical cancers. Vaccinated women and girls will still be at risk from other high risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and will therefore need to continue to have regular cervical smear tests.

I am pleased to note the ongoing work by the Irish Cancer Society, NCCP, Health Service Executive and National Immunisation Office to encourage young women to take effective measures to prevent cervical cancer by their support of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is safe and protects girls and women from developing certain cancers associated with the HPV. The combination of a HPV vaccination programme, along with the effective screening programme, has the potential to reduce the incidence of cervical cancers by up to 90 per cent.

My priority as Minister for Health is to encourage individuals and their families to be fully vaccinated and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. In relation to HPV I would encourage all young women to receive this important vaccine.