The Health Minister is being urged to offer the free HPV vaccine to men and women of all ages. Stephen Donnelly has today announced that the Laura Brennan Vaccine Catch Up Programme is being extended to men up to their 22nd birthday.
A registration portal will open on HPV.ie next Tuesday. The vaccine is already offered in schools, and to women up to the age of 25.
Kim Hanly from Cervical Cancer Awareness Ireland says the extension is welcomed - but must go further. "I would love to see anybody no matter there age or gender be able to access this vaccine for no cost," explained Kim.
"I don't think you should put an age on it, when it comes to something like a vaccine that could save someone from going through a HPV related cancer - I don't think there should be age limits or a price for it."