Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 6

Written Answers. - MMR Immunisation Programme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

132 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will give a breakdown for each health board area of the number of measles cases reported, and hospital admissions due to the outbreak of measles in 1993 to date, and comparison figures for 1992; the proposals, if any, he has to intensify the MMR immunisation programme or other measures to try and prevent such recurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The incidence of diseases like measles tend to peak every few years. There was an increase in reported cases during 1993 compared with 1992 figures as follows:

Number of Cases Reported to Department.

	1992	1993 (to end October)
Eastern	83	2,433
Midland	23	92
Mid Western	24	173
North Eastern	23	278
North Western	7	190
Southern	3	78
South Eastern	13	234
Western	3	308
Total	179	3,786

The hospital inpatient inquiry data indicated that admissions to hospitals because of measles for 1992 and 1993 (mid September) were as follows:

Admissions to Hospitals.

	1992	1993 (to end October)
Eastern	19	146
Midland	4	7
Mid Western	1	18
North Eastern	4	18
North Western	—	22
Southern	1	—
South Eastern	1	24
Western	2	47
Total	32	282

The national primary childhood immunisation schedule was revised in 1992 to provide for the vaccination, against MMR at 15 months and also at ten-14 years of age for boys and girls who have not previously been vaccinated.

I consider it vital that the common perception among parents that measles is a disease of little consequence be corrected. While the majority of children who contact measles recover quickly a small number, however, may suffer long term neurological damage and other consequences.

I have already stated a number of times that I consider that the uptake of MMR is unacceptably low and must be increased. I have launched a number of initiatives to bring this about including a television and radio campaign in August and September. I propose to conduct a new media campaign to promote the MMR vaccine and other immunisations in the near future.

Meanwhile, I have established a working group under the chairmanship of the chief medical officer of my Department to review the existing arrangements for the delivery of vaccinations. This group will include representatives from my Department, the health boards, the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Society of Medical Officers of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation and is expected to report quickly.