Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage uptake of childhood vaccinations to the end of September 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22247/98]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
The immunisation uptake rates for children at two years of age, by health board, at 30 September 1998, are as follows. (In the case of the Southern Health Board, the most recent figures available relate to the period ended 31 March 1998.):
|
Health Board |
DPT/HIB Polio/ |
MMR |
|
% |
% |
|
|
Eastern |
84 |
76 |
|
Midland |
82 |
71 |
|
Mid-Western |
77 |
65 |
|
North-Eastern |
80 |
70 |
|
North-Western |
91 |
77 |
|
South Eastern |
89 |
85 |
|
Southern |
82 |
73 |
|
Western |
84 |
71 |
The operation of the primary childhood immunisation programme is a matter in the first instance for the individual health boards, who enter into contracts with general practitioners for the delivery of the service. The objective of the programme is to achieve an uptake level of 95 per cent. My Department has established an immunisation advisory group, which is considering a range of issues concerning the operation of the programme, with a view to maximising uptake amongst the target population.