HPV vaccine cost coverage
Deputy Conway-Walsh asked why the HPV vaccine is not covered under the drugs payment scheme when consultants recommend it, noting the €600 cost and the burden on women. The Taoiseach said he would ask the Minister to examine the issue with NIAC and report back.
Why is the human papilloma virus, HPV, vaccine not covered under the drugs payment scheme for women who are advised to get it by their consultants or medical practitioners? The reason I ask is that the cost of the HPV vaccine is €600. Many families and women who do not qualify for a medical card because the thresholds are so low are under severe financial pressure. Forcing them to pay €600 for a medical intervention that is deemed necessary by their medical practitioners demonstrates to me that we have not learned from the cervical screening scandal and that we are not listening to women. Can the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Health to review the exclusion of the HPV vaccine from the drugs payment scheme and to liaise with NIAC to ensure that women who are deemed to be a high risk can have it without pushing them into further financial stress?
