Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hepatitis B Vaccination.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has confidence in the policy of selective vaccination against hepatitis B in view of the compelling findings in other countries which show that selective vaccination does not prevent hepatitis B and that mass vaccination as advised by the World Health Organisation is the ultimate solution to the spread of hepatitis B in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The most appropriate strategy for scheduling hepatitis B vaccination is among the issues which my Department's chief medical officer has asked the Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland to consider in its review of the existing guidelines. The committee has not yet completed its deliberations.