Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2010
163 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the initial cost of the cervical cancer vaccine was stated to be €16 million but the cost announced in January 2010 was €3 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7115/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) was requested by my Department to examine operational and procurement issues relating to the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme for 12 year old girls on a basis that would achieve maximum cost effectiveness and appropriate national uptake rates.
A response was received from the HSE and subsequently examined by my Department. This report estimated, based on the best available information at that time, that the total full year cost of implementing such a programme was between €16m and €19m. This assumes a purchase cost of €11m for vaccine and the balance being pay and other administrative costs. In early December last I met with the two manufacturers of the vaccines and indicated to them that I would like to go ahead with the vaccination programme as early as possible and that if we got a price close to the price they offered to other countries, especially the UK, it might be possible to go ahead in 2010. They assured me that they would give very competitive prices and consequently I requested the HSE to initiate a tendering process for the procurement of a HPV vaccine with a view to commencing a HPV vaccination programme for all girls in first year in secondary school. This tendering process for the vaccine is now completed and the HSE is committed to starting this campaign during the current year.
