Family & Life

Push On to Target Children in Ireland for National HPV Vaccine Programme : 6th Jun 08

"Some parents have a problem vaccinating their children against a sexually transmitted disease? Could a vaccination programme be interpreted as condoning sexual activity in teenagers?"

Push On to Target Children in Ireland for National HPV Vaccine Programme

Girls as young as 12 could be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus which causes cervical cancer from next year following a strong recommendation to Ireland’s Health Minister Mary Harney yesterday. The vaccines protect against 70pc of the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains behind cervical cancer.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection; it is estimated that almost 80 per cent of sexually active people have been infected with at least one virus type by the age of 50. It is usually symptomless and in 90 per cent of cases the body clears itself of the virus within two years. But it is when the virus persists that the risk of cervical cancer increases.It should be given to all girls in first year of secondary school, according to an expert report.

Around 200 women are diagnosed with the cancer here annually and it leads to 90 deaths, one of the highest rates in Europe.The report of an analysis by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) also recommended a once-off catch-up programme for 13- to 15-year olds in the first year. A spokesperson for the minister said yesterday she was now examining a series of reports, including the findings from HIQA and the advisory commmittee on immunisation. She is to make a decision on whether to give it the green light this summer.

Asked if she expected controversy similar to that generated in the UK from some parents, who objected to young girls receiving a vaccine against a sexually transmitted virus, Tracey Cooper, HIQA chief executive, said the programme would be accompanied by an education and information campaign.

Opponents of the views however say parental rights and authority to make medical decisions for their children would be violated by state-enforced vaccination for a highly preventable infection caused by sexual promiscuity.

They also pointed out that such a programme presumes that all children are going to be sexually active, and in fact, encourages them to be sexually active. Furthermore, they pointed out, who knows what side effects this vaccination might have on children. See: CLICK TO READ MORE.....

According to an "Irish Times" report, the Hiqa report did not deal with any ethical issues that may arise from vaccinating pre-pubertal girls: might some parents have a problem vaccinating their children against a sexually transmitted disease? Could a vaccination programme be interpreted as condoning sexual activity in teenagers?,

Other issues of possible concern include the confirmation in yesterday's report that further evidence is required to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of HPV vaccination. Nor do the vaccines have a proven therapeutic value for those already infected with HPV.

And the fact that some 30 per cent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types not contained in the vaccines means there will be an ongoing need for a national cervical screening programme.” F&L. The Irish Independent. June 5. CLICK TO READ MORE.....

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Family & Life

Push On to Target Children in Ireland for National HPV Vaccine Programme : 6th Jun 08

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