Harney approves cervical cancer vaccination programme
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
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Health Minister Mary Harney has approved the introduction of a cervical cancer vaccination programme for young girls in Ireland.
Ms Harney says she has asked the HSE to begin planning a programme to vaccinate 12-year-old girls against HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
However, she says she has opted against a "catch-up" programme for girls aged between 13 and 15 due to budgetary restraints.
The vaccination programme will start in September 2009 if the HSE can operate the scheme on a cost-effective basis and if more than 80% of parents allow their children to get the vaccine.
