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30/03/2009
Cervical Cancer Immunisation Rates Takes A Jump
There has been a broad welcome today for a major acceleration in the numbers of women taking up the opportunity of a preventative cancer 'jab'.
NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey welcomed the publication of uptake rates for immunisation against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and announced details of a one-off catch-up programme.
The programme to immunise girls against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was officially launched last September.
The uptake rate for Northern Ireland as of the end of January 2009 is 89.56% for the first dose and 84.28% for the second dose.
The Minister said: "Cervical cancer kills around 40 women every year in Northern Ireland and touches the lives of many more.
"The HPV vaccine is a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer and will help prevent young women from developing a potentially deadly disease.
"I welcome these impressive results and congratulate all those involved for their help in ensuring the successful introduction of the HPV immunisation programme.
"Almost 90% of Year 9 girls have received their first dose of the vaccine and to date 84.28% have gone on to receive their second dose. Much of the credit for this high uptake rate, and the health benefits to come, must go to schools for accommodating and facilitating the programme and to the school health service for delivering it," he said.
The Minister went on to provide details of a one-off 'catch up' programme and added: "Ultimately the vaccination programme is about saving lives and preventing the suffering, distress and anxiety caused by cancer. I would encourage all parents to continue to consent for their child to have the vaccine."
Also welcoming the development, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland General Practitioner Committee said they are very supportive of a campaign which will reduce the chance of many girls contracting cervical cancer.
"This a potentially fatal illness and doctors welcome the fact that a vaccine is available," he said.
"We would encourage parents to ensure that girls within the age range take up this opportunity, and cooperate with GPs and healthcare professionals to get the vaccination."
(BMcC/JM)
NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey welcomed the publication of uptake rates for immunisation against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and announced details of a one-off catch-up programme.
The programme to immunise girls against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was officially launched last September.
The uptake rate for Northern Ireland as of the end of January 2009 is 89.56% for the first dose and 84.28% for the second dose.
The Minister said: "Cervical cancer kills around 40 women every year in Northern Ireland and touches the lives of many more.
"The HPV vaccine is a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer and will help prevent young women from developing a potentially deadly disease.
"I welcome these impressive results and congratulate all those involved for their help in ensuring the successful introduction of the HPV immunisation programme.
"Almost 90% of Year 9 girls have received their first dose of the vaccine and to date 84.28% have gone on to receive their second dose. Much of the credit for this high uptake rate, and the health benefits to come, must go to schools for accommodating and facilitating the programme and to the school health service for delivering it," he said.
The Minister went on to provide details of a one-off 'catch up' programme and added: "Ultimately the vaccination programme is about saving lives and preventing the suffering, distress and anxiety caused by cancer. I would encourage all parents to continue to consent for their child to have the vaccine."
Also welcoming the development, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland General Practitioner Committee said they are very supportive of a campaign which will reduce the chance of many girls contracting cervical cancer.
"This a potentially fatal illness and doctors welcome the fact that a vaccine is available," he said.
"We would encourage parents to ensure that girls within the age range take up this opportunity, and cooperate with GPs and healthcare professionals to get the vaccination."
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland is now to follow an important health promotional lead from Scottish medics - where some of the first girls to take part in the anti-cancer HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) immunisation programme received their injections on Monday.
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12 December 2023
Full Primary HPV Testing Introduced In NI
Full primary HPV testing has been officially introduced to the cervical screening pathway, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Between 2016 and 2020 in NI, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer annually.
Full Primary HPV Testing Introduced In NI
Full primary HPV testing has been officially introduced to the cervical screening pathway, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Between 2016 and 2020 in NI, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer annually.
26 October 2007
N I Needs Schoolgirl Cancer Jab
A leading Northern Ireland campaigner on cancer prevention and care has welcomed news of a new vaccine that will be offered to young girls nationally. Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) commented on the cervical cancer vaccine which has been recommended for an NHS immunisation programme.
N I Needs Schoolgirl Cancer Jab
A leading Northern Ireland campaigner on cancer prevention and care has welcomed news of a new vaccine that will be offered to young girls nationally. Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) commented on the cervical cancer vaccine which has been recommended for an NHS immunisation programme.
10 August 2023
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
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