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'Her actions will save lives' - Taoiseach pays tribute to HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan. Ms Brennan d...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

13.00 27 Mar 2019


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'Her actions will save lives'...

'Her actions will save lives' - Taoiseach pays tribute to HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

13.00 27 Mar 2019


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The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan.

Ms Brennan died of cervical cancer and has been laid to rest in Co Clare.

The 26-year-old campaigned for the HPV vaccine since her diagnosis.

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In a recent video for the HSE, Laura explained: "The vaccine protects against HPV 16, and HPV 16 caused my cancer.

"When I got my diagnosis, I decided I would do anything to stop this from happening to anybody else."

Earlier this month, she welcomed news that the uptake figures for the HPV vaccine had increased by 20% in just over two years.

She said she was "thrilled that people are listening".

President Michael D Higgins and the Health Minister Simon Harris were among those who paid tribute to Laura last week.

Minister Harris said Laura was "kind, funny and full of life". He added: "Amazing doesn't do justice to her or her courage."

Her funeral service took place on Wednesday morning in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis.

A mass of remembrance and celebration of her life is taking place this afternoon.

Mr Varadkar interrupted Dáil business to pay tribute to her.

"As you know she died from cervical cancer, but worked very closely with the health service to become a really powerful advocate for HPV vaccination.

"And because of her, we were able to increase the uptake again of HPV vaccination.

"And while sadly she has lost her life, I believe her actions will save the lives of many people".


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