asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the anxiety of parents regarding the immunisation of infants with whooping cough vaccine; and the advice he would give to parents on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whooping Cough Vaccination.
10.
I am aware of the anxiety of parents regarding whooping cough and vaccination against the disease. Whooping cough is a serious health risk to children in this country and has caused 21 deaths in the last ten years. There is a risk factor associated with many medical procedures but the risk factor associated with whooping cough vaccination is minimal compared with the advantages of preventing and controlling the disease. My Department, therefore, continue to recommend this vaccination. There are certain contra-indications to vaccination which doctors are well aware of and which are taken into consideration by the vaccinating doctor who makes the decision as to whether any child should be vaccinated.