Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
497. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the person who or the body that provides support and guidance to persons who have a side effect to a vaccine administered by the Health Service Executive, particularly to Gardasil or to the human papillomavirus vaccine; why no manual or leaflet is available to warn persons of the possible side effects of this vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/16]
View answerI am aware of claims of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. It appears that some girls first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine, and understandably some parents have connected the vaccine to their daughter’s condition.
I want to make it quite clear that anyone who is suffering ill health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms. The girls and their families should seek medical advice from their family doctor in the normal manner and be guided by this advice in accessing appropriate services including specialist opinion where necessary.
The Health Services Executive provides information to parents on all vaccines administered in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. As the provision of information concerning vaccines to parents is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
