Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

126 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children if reimbursements will be made under the community drugs refund scheme for all types of vaccinations; if not, the types of vaccinations which will be excluded; the reason for these exclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16985/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The following vaccinations are provided free of charge: polio, haemophilus influenza Type B (Hib); diphteria/tetanus/whooping cough; and measles/mumps/rubella are provided by general practitioners to children up to the age of two years under the primary childhood immunisation scheme.

Influenza vaccination is available to persons over 65 years of age who hold a medical card and to persons under 65 years who hold a medical card and who are considered to be in the at-risk categories (persons suffering from chronic pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy). Persons who are over 65 years and who do not hold a medical card can obtain the vaccine free of charge, but may have to pay their general practitioner for its administration.

Pneumococcal vaccine is available to persons who hold a medical card and who are considered to be in the at-risk categories i.e. persons suffering from asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen; chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome; chronic heart/lung, or liver disease; diabetes mellitus; sickle cell disease; and immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Hepatitis B vaccine is available to appropriate persons, including the contacts of persons diagnosed with the disease, who hold a medical card. The tetanus vaccine is also reimbursable under the GMS scheme.

In view of these provisions, it is not justifiable to extend the community drugs schemes to cover all types of vaccinations, particularly in view of the very many areas of pressing need in the health services and the limited resources available to meet them.