27 October 2023
HSE Media Release
Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo
A number of clinics have been announced for Donegal as part of The Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme.
The programme offers another chance for eligible males and females in Donegal to receive the HPV vaccine for free through HSE vaccination clinics if they have not received it before.
The programme has now been expanded to include:
- All unvaccinated students in 2nd to 6th year of secondary school homeschool or a special school - both boys and girls
- All unvaccinated females who have left second level education and are 24 years or younger on the date of offer of vaccination
- All unvaccinated males who have left second level education and are 21 years old or younger on the date of offer of vaccination
- Refugees and Applicants Seeking Protection in Ireland who are unvaccinated and gender and age equivalent to the above listed groups are also eligible for catch-up HPV vaccination under the Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme
The programme also continues for all unvaccinated females who have left second level education and are 24 years old or younger on the date of offer of vaccination.
Clinics will be held in The Immunisation Department, St. Conal’s Campus, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 FW6Y
- Friday October 27th - 9.30am to 4.15pm
- Wednesday November 1st - 5pm to 7pm
- Friday November 10th - 9.30am to 4.15pm
- Friday November 24th - 9.30am to 4.15pm
Laura campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer in March 2019, aged 26.
The free programme is aimed at those aged 16 or older who did not get their HPV vaccine yet and were previously eligible and runs until December 2023.
Eligible people can register on hpv.ie for an appointment for a free vaccine which will be administered through HSE vaccination clinics and schools.
If you are under 16 and want to get the HPV vaccine, you do not need to do anything for now.
You will be able to get vaccinated through your school or a HSE clinic in 2023.
The programme is supported by Bernie and Larry Brennan, parents of the late Laura Brennan who campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer in 2019, aged 26.
The most common cancer caused by the HPV virus is cervical cancer - cancer of the neck of the womb. However, the HPV virus can cause other cancers and conditions that can affect boys, and since September 2019, boys have also been offered the HPV vaccine. The more young people vaccinated - both boys and girls - the better the spread of the infection can be controlled.
Over 500,000 people have already received the HPV vaccine through the HSE school vaccination programme.
More clinics are being planned. If you cannot find an appointment in your area now we will use media and social media to alert people when more opportunities are available to get vaccinated.
The programme embodies Laura’s message of vaccine promotion and will encourage and facilitate further uptake of this life-saving intervention.
The vaccine, which is proven to be safe and effective, protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers.
The HPV vaccine will be delivered by HSE vaccinators and is available free of charge through HSE vaccination clinics and schools.
The 1st year school immunisation programme will continue as normal throughout 2023.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recently advised that only one dose of HPV vaccine is required in those aged under 25. Most people will only need 1 dose of HPV vaccine. However, anyone with a weak immune system will require three doses.
Visit hpv.ie for information and to learn about the importance of HPV vaccine
#ThankYouLaura #ProtectOurFuture hpv.ie
Last updated on: 27 / 10 / 2023
