John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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611. To ask the Minister for Health if, in the context of Ireland’s target to achieve cervical cancer elimination by the year 2040, he will consider removing the requirement of a GP prescription for the provision of the HPV vaccine in pharmacies by adding it to the Eighth Schedule of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015, as is the case for pneumococcal, shingles, flu, and Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40163/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are selected, where possible, in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. The HPV vaccine is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection. The HPV vaccine is currently offered, free of charge, to boys and girls in first year of secondary school and is administered through the School Immunisation Programme. It is critical that the HPV vaccine is administered early and before any likely exposure to HPV.

The Department of Health will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence in this area.