asked the Minister for Health the action he proposes to take to educate the public about the need for primary vaccinations and pre-school boosters in view of the recent figures contained in a media report (details supplied) stating that 10.9 per cent of school entrants examined aged four to five years old had never been vaccinated and that approximately 73 per cent of the 539 children examined in a study completed their primary immunisation course and of these just over one quarter had a pre-school booster; and if his attention has been drawn to the major differences which were discovered between urban and rural populations in Cork in that only 20 per cent/22 per cent of the city children examined had never been vaccinated.
Written Answers. - Primary Vaccinations.
54.
I have read the report mentioned by the Deputy in his question.
Information and education about primary vaccination and immunisation is provided to the public in a number of ways. The health boards promote vaccination through the community care services and through general practitioners, who advise parents on a one to one basis about vaccination and immunisation. Promotional materials such as leaflets and media advertising are also used at both national and local levels.
Boosters for diphtheria, tetanus and polio are provided at school entry and parents are advised through the school authorities about the relevant vaccinations.
The effectiveness of vaccination programmes is monitored by the Department of Health, inter alia, through discussions with the directors of the community care and medical officers of health. Local problems, such as that referred to by the Deputy, are investigated with a view to increasing the levels of uptake of the vaccination.
The Department will be meeting with the directors of community care and medical officers of health shortly and I have asked that the vaccination and immunisation programme be discussed as a priority.
In addition I have asked the health promotion unit of my Department to promote the vaccination and immunisation programme comprehensively.
However, it is primarily the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are brought forward for vaccination and immunisation and I would urge all parents to ensure that their children are fully protected in this respect.