Vol. 434 No. 4
163 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that student nurses and other health care workers are at an increased risk from hepatitis A according to a recent study; and if he will implement a vaccination programme for this group in line with the recommendation of Professor John Fielding as reported in the Irish Medical Times of April 1993.
My Department continually monitors the spread of infectious diseases, including hepatitis A, together with the programme of recommended vaccinations and immunisations to ensure that it is adequate to respond appropriately to epidemiological requirements in this area. In this regard, the findings of studies, such as that referred to in the question, are reviewed and at this stage, I am advised that a hepatitis A vaccination programme need not be introduced.
