Ireland has launched the next phase of the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme, with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Education and Youth announcing that the initiative will begin by offering HPV vaccinations to students in fifth and sixth year of post-primary school. Delivered by the Health Service Executive primarily through schools, the programme provides another opportunity for young people who missed earlier vaccinations to receive protection against HPV.
The catch-up programme is designed for both girls and boys and builds on the original initiative launched in 2022, which was inspired by the advocacy of Laura Brennan. Her efforts significantly improved public understanding and acceptance of the HPV vaccine in Ireland, and the programme continues her legacy of promoting cancer prevention through vaccination.
During the first phase, free HPV vaccines will be offered to eligible fifth- and sixth-year students between January and August 2026. Home-educated young people born between September 2006 and August 2009 who did not receive the vaccine earlier are also eligible to access it free of charge. A subsequent phase will extend availability to students from second to fifth year during the 2026–2027 academic year, while the routine HPV vaccination programme for first-year post-primary students will continue unchanged.
Health authorities have emphasized that receiving the HPV vaccine at the earliest opportunity is most effective in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers later in life. The programme complements existing cervical screening services and forms part of Ireland’s broader public health strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through high vaccination coverage.
Government representatives highlighted the role of schools in safeguarding young people’s health and enabling informed decisions about long-term wellbeing. They also acknowledged the contribution of school communities, health professionals, and advocacy organisations in supporting vaccine delivery and awareness.
Laura Brennan’s family strongly welcomed the expansion of the programme, underlining its life-saving potential and urging all eligible students to take advantage of the opportunity. They reiterated that HPV affects both women and men and that vaccination offers safe and effective protection against a range of preventable cancers.
Medical and public health leaders reinforced that HPV vaccination is a critical public health measure with a strong safety record. They encouraged eligible young people to participate in the programme, noting that school-based delivery and clear information help families make informed choices while strengthening national efforts to reduce HPV-related disease.
