It is not possible to provide a detailed costing estimate in relation to the implementation of a catch up programme for the HPV vaccine, at this time. You may be aware that my Department has asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:
- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and
- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible.
If NIAC conclude that there is sufficient evidence to support providing the HPV vaccine to one or both groups, HIQA will undertake a cost-effectiveness assessment on that basis. On completion, the cost-effectiveness assessment will inform the costing process.