The Houston family from Portnoo in Co. Donegal has lent their support to a new HSE campaign to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated against HPV.
The Houstons – Susie, Francis, Megan (14) and Molly (12) from Ballykilduff are appearing in informative videos to share their experience of the programme.
The Houston’s eldest daughter Megan was vaccinated in September 2017 and Molly will get the vaccine in September of this year.
The campaign videos aim to offer real-life perspectives on the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is now being given to all first year students in secondary school, including girls and, for the first time, boys. HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer, and other cancers in both women and men. The HPV vaccine will protect young people from HPV related cancers when they grow up.
The uptake of the HPV vaccine has a participation rate of approximately 70%, which is an increase of 20% points since 2017. The HSE has creditted the tireless work of HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan for the increase in uptake. Ms Brennan was honoured at the launch of the vaccine campaign on Tuesday.
Endorsing the Vaccination Programme, Minister for Health Mr. Simon Harris T.D. noted: “Associated by many with the simple phrase ‘Thank you, Laura’, it is always with great gratitude that we remember Laura Brennan. We might have been launching this latest campaign with uptake for the vaccine still as low as 50%. But thanks to Laura’s passionate advocacy, we are building now from an increased rate of 70%.
“Laura’s work has been so important and highlights why it remains so vital that parents are provided with accurate and credible information to help them to make a fully informed decision concerning HPV vaccination. Get the facts at www.immunisation.ie and ensure that they receive this life-saving vaccine.
“I would also like to remind parents that it is not too late for girls who missed the vaccine in previous years. Any parents who have reconsidered their decision and are seeking the vaccine for their daughters can use the HSE catch-up service.”
Tags: