Important vaccine being rolled out across Kilkenny

The HSE/South East Community Healthcare, as part of the “Laura Brennan HPV Catch-Up Programme”, are holding clinics for people aged 16 or older who did not yet get the papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccine in Kilkenny.

Clinics will take place on  Monday, July 17, from 10am to 12pm in the HSE Vaccination Hub, on the grounds of Kilcreene Hospital, located just outside Kilkenny City.

The initiative is supported by Bernie and Larry Brennan, the parents of Laura Brennan who campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer in 2019, aged 26.

Boys from 2nd to 4th Year in secondary school and those in 5th Year who did not do Transition Year are eligible for the programme, girls at second-level who have yet to receive the vaccine can also apply online.

Free vaccines will continue to be offered to 1st year students at second level in Kilkenny.

Dr. Kathleen O’ Sullivan (Principal Medical Officer, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said: 

“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 and cancers prevented.“

“If you are under 16 and want to get the HPV vaccine, you do not need to do anything for now. You will get vaccinated free of charge through your school or a HSE clinic in 2023.”

Eligible people can register for an appointment for a free vaccine on www.hpv.ie