The vaccination programme aimed at protecting young girls from going on to develop cervical cancer later in life appears to be a big success so far, with an uptake rate of 84%, which is above the HSE's target rate of 80%.

Around 300 women develop cancer of the cervix - the entrance to the womb - every year in Ireland and 100 women die annually from the disease.

HPV (human papillomavirus ) is the main cause of cervical cancer. There are many types of HPV, most of which are harmless. However some can be serious, such as those that cause cervical cancer. Almost three-quarters of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to two particular strains of HPV - 16 and 18.

Since 2010, the vaccine Gardasil, which protects against strains 16 and 18, has been offered to girls in their first year of secondary school.

According to a new HSE report on uptake rates, during the 2012/2013 period, 84% of young girls received the vaccine. Furthermore, a catch up programme that was introduced in 2011/2012 to target girls in 6th year also proved successful, with an uptake rate of 67%, which was above the HSE target of 60%.

"These figures are better, or as good as, many other countries and are a great credit to the staff of the vaccination teams," commented the HSE's assistant national director of public health and child health, Dr Kevin Kelleher.

Until now, girls have had to receive three doses of the vaccine in a six-to-12-month period in order to be fully protected. However the 2014/2015 programme will involve just two doses, as new data has shown that two doses are just as effective in young girls.

The HSE reminded people that the vaccine only protects against 70% of cervical cancers, so it is still important for those who have been vaccinated to undergo regular smear tests when they are adults. This can be done free of charge through CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme.

Meanwhile, the HSE has also announced the introduction of a Meningococcal C (Men C) booster vaccine aimed at boys and girls in their first year of secondary school. The Men C vaccine is routinely given to babies, but immunity reduces over time, so this booster vaccine is being given to provide additional protection.

Girls will receive the booster shot at the same time as they receive their second dose of the cervical cancer vaccine, while boys will receive it in their second or third term of first year.

For more information on vaccination and help with keeping track of your child's vaccines, see our unique Child Immunisation Tracker here