In a remarkable achievement, the late Laura Brennan, a dedicated advocate for the HPV vaccine in Ireland, has successfully increased the vaccine uptake rate to 84%. Before her untimely death at the age of 26 due to cervical cancer, Laura pushed for greater awareness and acceptance of the vaccine, believing that she could have prevented her own illness if she had received it.
Laura’s father, who witnessed her passionate efforts, expressed joy that the negative perception surrounding the vaccine has significantly diminished. He reflected on the initial decline in uptake to 51%, followed by a slow but steady increase to 71% during Laura’s involvement. Currently, Ireland stands at an impressive 84% uptake, with Laura’s aspiration of reaching 90% seeming to be within reach.
While the Brennan family acknowledges that it may not be possible to convince everyone, they are satisfied with the progress made thus far. They understand that a small percentage of the population may remain opposed to vaccination, but they firmly believe that the majority now recognizes the importance of protecting against HPV.
The positive impact of Laura’s work has extended beyond Ireland’s borders. Other countries in Europe now look to Ireland for inspiration, influenced by the remarkable progress achieved in raising awareness and acceptance of the HPV vaccine. In fact, Laura’s mother, Bernie, has been invited to speak in Brussels about the Irish experience in combating negative perceptions of the vaccine.
Laura’s legacy remains strong, as she dedicated the last few years of her life to this cause. Her family acknowledges the numerous challenges and obstacles they faced along the way, but they credit their efforts with eliminating the negativity surrounding HPV and vaccination. They are hopeful that in the near future, HPV infections will become a thing of the past.
Looking ahead, the Brennan family anticipates that by 2050, HPV will no longer pose a threat, and the majority of people will have been vaccinated against the virus. They are optimistic that by 2030, HPV will be largely forgotten, with an impressive 90% uptake rate. To support this, HPV has been integrated into the school curriculum as a module, starting in September, to educate students about the importance of prevention.
Laura’s unwavering dedication and determination have led to a significant boost in HPV vaccine uptake in Ireland. Her immense contribution has not only saved lives but has become a beacon of hope for other countries seeking to combat negative perceptions surrounding vaccination. As the world continues to recognize the importance of HPV prevention, Laura’s legacy shines bright, ensuring that generations to come may live free from the threat of this disease.
