Role of HPV vaccination

The role of human papillomavirus vaccines in reducing the risk of cervical cancer in Ireland

The Health Information and Quality Authority undertook this health technology assessment in response to a request by the National Cancer Screening Service Board. The purpose of the assessment was to establish the cost-effectiveness of a combined national HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programme compared to a cervical screening programme alone in the prevention of high grade cervical dysplasia (CIN 2+) and cervical cancer associated with HPV types 16 and 18.

The HTA was published on the 25 February 2008. It was submitted to the Minister for Health and Children, to inform a decision on the adoption of HPV vaccination as part of the national immunisation schedule.

Following due consideration of the available evidence, a decision to vaccinate 12-year-old girls as part of the national immunisation schedule was taken by the Minister for Health and Children and was duly commenced in May 2010.

See HSE website regarding an update on implementation of the vaccination programme

• Press release
• Full report