HPV causes more than 400 cases of cancer in Ireland each year.

Now Boots Ireland has become the first pharmacy chain in Ireland to offer Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to the general public, launching a new service in 14 pharmacies, including Cork’s Half Moon Street branch, today.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 viruses that causes one in 20 cancers worldwide. Most people will contract HPV at some stage in their lives, with it being most common amongst people in their late teens and early 20s.

The national HPV Vaccination Programme in Ireland aims to vaccinate all girls and boys in their first year at secondary school on an annual basis and is available free of charge. The national programme also facilitates vaccination to men who have sex with men (MSM) up to the age of 44 through sexual health clinics.

“At Boots, we recognise that some people may wish to consider vaccination against HPV, either for themselves or their children, but are outside the inclusion criteria for the national HPV Vaccination programme.” said a spokesperson for the pharmacy.

The Boots HPV Vaccination Service is available privately for both men and women aged 16 to 44 inclusive, subject to eligibility criteria.

“Vaccination against HPV plays an important role in the prevention of different forms of cancer amongst the male and female population and we are delighted to be able to play our part in reducing the burden that cancer can have on the individual and society,” said Stephen Watkins, Managing Director of Boots Ireland.

For more information or to book your HPV vaccination, visit boots.ie/hpv.