Students across Cork and Kerry who missed their first-year HPV vaccination are being offered another opportunity to protect themselves against HPV-related cancers. The Health Service Executive (HSE) South West has begun the latest phase of the Laura Brennan HPV Catch-up Vaccination Programme, with teams visiting post-primary schools during the 2026 school year.
HPV vaccine catch-up programme opens to eligible students
The programme is available to eligible students in second, third, fourth and fifth year who have not received any HPV vaccine previously. It covers males and females aged approximately 14 to 18, as well as eligible home-educated students and students attending special schools.
Students must fall within the programme’s stated date-of-birth range of 1 September 2007 to 31 August 2012. Sixth-year students were offered catch-up vaccination during fifth year in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Why HPV vaccination matters
HPV is a common virus that can remain undetected for years and may contribute to several cancers later in life. Gardasil 9, the vaccine used in the programme, helps prevent HPV infection and genital warts when given before exposure to the virus.
- Cervical cancer
- Throat and mouth cancers
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vulval cancer
The HSE says vaccination is an important part of Ireland’s ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. The programme also recognises that HPV affects males as well as females; the national vaccination programme was extended to include boys in 2019.
Consent and school vaccination arrangements
HSE vaccination teams will work with schools to identify eligible students and provide information about the catch-up service. Parents or guardians must provide consent for students aged 15 and under. Young people aged 16 or older may consent for themselves.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss HPV vaccination openly with their children and support them in making an informed decision. Students should follow information issued by their school and consult HSE.ie for details about the vaccination process.
Read more: Ireland public health and government updates
Who does not need another HPV dose?
Young people who already received one HPV vaccine dose in first year are considered fully vaccinated and do not need a second dose under the information provided for this programme. Young people with a weakened immune system who have completed their recommended three-dose course also do not require further doses.
The routine school vaccination programme will continue separately. First-year students will continue to be offered HPV, Tdap and MenACWY vaccines.
Explore more: trusted Irish information
Laura Brennan programme continues cancer-prevention legacy
The catch-up initiative carries forward the legacy of Laura Brennan, whose public advocacy raised awareness of HPV vaccination in Ireland. The HSE’s message is that eligible students who missed vaccination should use this additional opportunity to seek protection.
Key takeaway: Eligible second- to fifth-year students in Cork and Kerry who have never received an HPV vaccine may now be offered free vaccination through their school. Families should review the information provided by the school and HSE, confirm consent requirements and visit HSE.ie for further guidance.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
