Vol. 501 No. 3
76 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, made with regard to his efforts to trace those who are believed to have received a toxic batch of DTP infant vaccine in the late 1960's; the steps, if any, being taken to notify those involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5938/99]
Seven health boards have completed the examination of their immunisation records, undertaken at my Department's request, in relation to the extent to which Trivax three-in-one vaccine from certain lots produced from Batch No. 3741 was used in the period 1968-70. The Southern Health Board is continuing to examine its remaining records and a final response is expected shortly.
To date the health boards have identified 245 records relating to children who received vaccine from the lot numbers concerned. Of these, 183 were in the Mid-Western Health Board area, 59 in the Southern Health Board area and three in the Western Health Board area. The period during which this vaccine batch was in use pre-dated the establishment of the health boards.
The health boards' responses to my Department's inquiries are being considered with a view to determining what, if any, further action is appropriate in this matter.
