HSE launches HPV catch-up programme in Cork schools

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) South West branch is offering HPV vaccines to students in secondary school who may have previously missed them.

Students in second to fifth year across post-primary schools in Cork, who missed their HPV vaccine in first year, will be given another opportunity to get protected against HPV-related cancers.

The latest phase of the Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme has already started, with HSE South West vaccination teams planning to visit secondary schools across Cork in the coming weeks.

Specialist registrar in Public Health Medicine at HSE South West, Dr Sinead O'Riordan said HPV vaccination is “one of the most effective measures we have to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers in Ireland”.

“It is part of our goal to eliminate cervical cancer in Ireland by 2040,” said Dr O’Riordan.

“I would encourage all eligible young people to discuss this with their parents/guardians and take the opportunity to receive this safe, effective and life-saving vaccine.” 

Eligible candidates include males and females in second, third, fourth and fifth year, between the ages of 14 and 18 years old.

Home-educated and students in special schools with a date-of-birth ranging between 1/9/07 to 31/8/12 are also eligible.

Only young people who have not received any HPV vaccinations are eligible for the programme.

Sixth years were offered this catch-up HPV vaccine in fifth year, during the academic year 2025-2026.