asked the Minister for Health if, for the purpose of reassuring the public on the question, he will state (1) whether the anterior poliomyelitis vaccine now being used here is of American or British origin, (2) if he can give reasonable guarantees of its efficacy in preventing anterior poliomyelitis, (3) if he can reassure the public as to its absolute safety in all cases, (4) if there are any exceptions which contra-indicate its use, (5) if unlimited supplies are available, and (6) up to what age it is desirable to use it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poliomyelitis Vaccine.
Replies to the queries put by the Deputy are as follows:—
(1) The poliomyelitis vaccine which is being used is of British origin, as recommended by the Medical Research Council of Ireland.
(2) I am advised that the vaccine represents a most useful protection against poliomyelitis and this advice is supported by the experience gained where it has been extensively used. While no absolute guarantee can be given that a vaccinated individual will not subsequently contract the disease, it can be taken that vaccination reduces this risk very appreciably.
(3) The vaccine used here is subject to most rigid tests both by the manufacturer and by the British Medical Research Council and no vaccine is released for use unless it successfully passes all the safety tests. I understand that, since the introduction of the vaccine now being used here, there has been no case of poliomyelitis infection which could be definitely attributed to the use of the vaccine.
(4) Poliomyelitis vaccine, like other immunising agents, should not be given in certain circumstances, e.g., to a child who is temporarily unwell, whose general health is poor or who is suffering from any acute illness. In particular, it should not be given where a case of poliomyelitis has recently occurred in the household.
(5) Limited supplies only are available.
(6) If supplies permitted, it would be desirable to use the vaccine for all age groups susceptible to poliomyelitis. Experience in this country shows that the younger age groups contain the highest proportion of susceptible persons, and the Medical Research Council has advised that we should aim at vaccinating children up to ten years of age.
Could the Minister say if the American vaccine was available, would it be suitable in this country? Is the American vaccine available?
I have no reason to believe that the American vaccine would not be suitable, nor have I any reason to believe that it would not be made available to us, but we are not in a position to use it.
Could the Minister define the younger age groups?
Up to ten years.
Is it not a fact that there is very poor response on the part of parents in relation to the use of this vaccine on their children?
The response has not been as general as we anticipated, but we are taking advantage of that fact to widen the age limits in which the vaccine may be given.
I wonder would the Minister say what he means? Why are we not in a position to use it?
We just have not the machinery available.