Irish health minister shelves HPV vaccination program

November 06, 2008

Ireland's health minister, Mary Harney, has temporarily set aside plans to vaccinate 12-year-old girls against the human papilloma virus (HPV) virus that is linked to cervical cancer. Haney explained that government budget problems forced the change in plans, and promised to re-introduce the vaccination program as soon as funding was available. Anti-cancer groups criticized the government's decision, saying that the vaccination program would save lives. Critics of the vaccination program had said that it could encourage teen sexual activity. Infection with the HPV virus, which is spread by sexual contact, is assuming epidemic proportions.

 

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Further information:

• Cervical cancer vaccinations pledge (Press Association)
• Harney urged to reverse vaccine decision (Irish Times)