Cervical cancer deaths among young women in England dropped dramatically following the implementation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, according to a study published in The Lancet. Researchers recorded zero cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20 to 24 between 2020 and 2024, providing concrete clinical evidence of the inoculation’s impact against viral strains linked to cervical, head, neck, penile, and anal tumours.
HSE Launches Catch-Up Programme for Students
Young people who missed initial school-based inoculations are receiving a second chance to access the protection through a Health Service Executive (HSE) initiative. Vaccination teams have started visiting post-primary schools across the country to deliver free HPV jabs to students in second, third, fourth, and fifth year who remained unvaccinated. Home-educated youths within the eligible age brackets can also access the doses, which are already distributed annually to boys and girls starting their first year of secondary school.
Preliminary figures from the first phase of the catch-up initiative show that more than 2,000 students who previously missed the vaccine stepped forward to receive it.
The Legacy of Laura Brennan
The current rollout builds on the advocacy work of the late Laura Brennan, whose public campaign transformed public awareness and acceptance of the HPV vaccine in Ireland. During the final months of her life, Brennan campaigned to encourage young people to accept the jab, famously stating that the vaccine saves lives and could have saved hers.
Reflecting on the new phase of the programme, Laura’s mother, Bernie, noted that her daughter would have turned 34 this year but died of a cervical cancer at age 26. “As I always say, prevention is better than cure and prevention is definitely better than no cure,” she said, urging parents of eligible children not to miss the opportunity to protect them from HPV-related cancers.
Did you know?
The HPV vaccine protects against multiple oncogenic strains responsible not only for cervical cancer, but also head and neck tumours, as well as cancers of the penis and anus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the HSE HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme?
The free catch-up initiative is open to students in second, third, fourth, and fifth year of post-primary school who have not previously received the HPV vaccine, as well as home-educated young people in the same age group.
How effective is the HPV vaccine against cancer?
Data published in The Lancet revealed that cervical cancer deaths among young women aged 20-24 in England fell to zero between 2020 and 2024 following the rollout of the national immunization programme.
Is the catch-up vaccine free of charge?
Yes, the vaccine is provided free of charge under the HSE initiative.
Take Action: Check with your school or local health office to confirm eligibility under the catch-up programme. Share this article with parents and guardians to help spread awareness about preventative health measures.