Vol. 433 No. 7
47 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the childhood immunisation programme is in need of radical reform; if he will take the necessary steps to provide a clear system of management and monitoring, together with a public awareness campaign targetting those most at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department introduced a revised immunisation schedule in 1992 and all health professionals have been advised of it. Every opportunity is taken by health professionals to encourage and advise parents to immunise their children and the health boards liaise with health professionals and the parents of children to achieve and maintain the highest possible uptake of the primary vaccination.
Current national uptake in the vaccination of young children as reported to my Department by the health boards ranges from approximately 90 per cent for diptheria, tetanus and polio to 60 per cent for diptheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio and 75 per cent for measles, mumps and rubella, MMR. Approximately 200,000 does of the Hib vaccine, which was introduced in October 1992, were supplied up to the end of last year. There are, however, variations in uptake between and within health boards and the Department is keen to ensure that the highest possible uptake levels are achieved in all areas. In this context, the Department monitors the effectiveness of the programme, in conjunction with the health boards and takes action, as appropriate, to ensure that high uptake levels are achieved and maintained.
The question of necessary improvements to our vaccination programme is being considered as part of the overall health strategy currently being prepared in my Department including the question of targeting groups with special needs.
