Vol. 480 No. 6
273 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to an increase in the number of whooping cough cases reported in Ireland in 1997 in view of the fact that such figures appear to suggest a continuing rise in whooping cough cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14381/97]
I am aware of the increase in the reported incidence of whooping cough (pertussis) in 1997. On 10 June 1997 my Department's chief medical officer wrote to the Director of Public Health in each health board, drawing their attention to the necessity of achieving the highest possible uptake of pertussis vaccine and asking them to examine the situation in their own areas. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation. I wish to take this opportunity to emphasise the necessity of vaccination against this potentially serious preventable disease. Vaccination is available free of charge from general practitioners.
