John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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1169. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to increase the uptake of the human papillomavirus HPV vaccine among girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38169/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 100 die from the disease. All cervical cancers are linked to high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types. In 2009 the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended HPV vaccination for all 12 year old girls to reduce their risk of cervical cancer and in September 2010 the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of second level schools.

Unfounded claims have been made of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women - there is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long-term illnesses.

However, these claims led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine from 87% in 2014/15 to 72% in 2015/16. Provisional figures released by the HSE indicate that the uptake rates for the current year have fallen further to 50%.

The Irish Cancer Society state, that based on national cancer statistics the drop in the rate of uptake to 50% for the 2016-2017 academic year, will have the following consequences:

- The death of at least 40 girls with cervical cancer who did not receive the HPV vaccine;

- A further 100 girls will develop cervical cancer and will require life altering treatment and;

- An additional 1,000 girls will require invasive therapy to prevent the precancerous form of HPV.

One of the most important things we can do is to provide accurate and credible information to enable parents to take a fully informed decision concerning HPV vaccination. We know that HPV vaccine works and that many countries have seen significant decreases of pre-cancer of the cervix as a result of vaccination. The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine is endorsed by Irish and international scientific and medical institutions.

The HSE launched its information campaign for HPV vaccination as part of the 2017/18 Schools Immunisation Programme on 30 August.

The HSE has produced a range of information materials aimed at ensuring parents and students receive accurate information concerning the vaccines, the conditions they prevent and potential adverse reactions. These materials include:

- Letter to parents concerning the programme;

- Facts about HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer leaflet;

- Facts about HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer leaflet for teachers;

- HPV Vaccine Key Facts leaflet for GPs;

- Poster;

- Memorandum on HSE Administrative role and responsibilities for the Schools Immunisation Programme 2017/2018.

All of these materials have been produced in both English and Irish language versions.

The HSE has worked with a small group of volunteers, girls and young women who have had the vaccine, mums whose daughters have been protected to produce a number of films in which they tell about their experience. Here are the links to the films:

- I’m relieved she’s protected – from the mums - I’ve got the HPV Vaccine – from the girls .

- Get the Vaccine, Protect Our Future - .

- 90 will die from Cervical Cancer every year – .

The HSE is investing in marketing communications at the time when parents are receiving information packs and consent forms in school. This will involve:

- Three weeks of national and regional radio advertising from 30 August;

- Social media promotion;

- Digital search advertising - Google Adwords;Organic social media posts – Facebook, Twitter.

The Information campaign will support the vaccination programme which starts in schools this month. It involves information packs for parents which are scientifically accurate and endorsed by Irish and international bodies. In addition information is available for primary care facilities and pharmacies. The HSE has also a website – .

The parents of all eligible girls are strongly encouraged to access this information and ensure that their daughters receive this important cancer preventing vaccine.