Independent TD Finian McGrath is facing calls to step down from his role as super-junior minister of Health after comments made about the HPV vaccine.
The Sunday Times had reported that McGrath had called for a ban on Gardasil, a vaccination used to prevent HPV – a condition which can lead to cervical cancer in women.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has today released a statement refuting McGrath's original stance, writing "Ministers Harris and McGrath agree that the people qualified to give advice on vaccines are medical professionals and they would encourage parents to take advice from them."
The statement also says that Deputy McGrath "assured Minister Harris that he supports the new campaign to encourage parents to avail of the HPV vaccine which saves lives."
https://twitter.com/roinnslainte/status/904316015391244288
However, many feel that McGrath's public doubts over the vaccine have already done significant damage to public confidence.
Doctor and media figure Ciara Kelly wrote on her Twitter that "Unless Finian McGrath resigns it is clear that votes are more important in Leinster House than lives."
Others have emphatically agreed with her, pointing out that Ireland's current Taoiseach is himself a medical doctor.
https://twitter.com/ciarakellydoc/status/904337740552134656
https://twitter.com/nickers1973/status/904334928992759808
https://twitter.com/LouiseJupe/status/904339171766140929
https://twitter.com/susmitchellSBP/status/904106426536210432
https://twitter.com/GeneKerrigan/status/904259662169681920
https://twitter.com/PeterMcGuireIE/status/904129048925884416
https://twitter.com/LukeMartin_DL/status/904109814875381760
Kelly, reflecting the widespread consensus in the community of medical professionals, has repeatedly highlighted the proven efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine.
https://twitter.com/ciarakellydoc/status/903282251772899338
90 women die from cervical cancer each year in Ireland.
‘This person cannot take your call right now, please text instead’ The mobile telephone is one of the great inventions of humankind – the ease of communication with anybody, anywhere at anytime. Along with faster, larger and more efficient travel, the mobile phone has helped shrink the world to a point where you can live, […]
“I am not going, if that’s what you’re asking.” Niall Horan has revealed why he won’t be attending Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz’s wedding. Last month, it was reported that former One Direction singer Harry Styles and Big Little Lies actress Zoe Kravitz are engaged after eight months of dating. People Magazine then confirmed the […]
Very sad news just in. Gogglebox star Ken Harwood has died. The 77-year-old passed away following a short illness. His death was confirmed by the Gogglebox bosses who said that he passed away last week. They’re set to pay tribute to him on tonight’s show. Ken and his wife Anne were popular Gogglebox cast members […]
