Vol. 513 No. 2
92 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to introduce the Cuban meningococcal meningitis immunisation programme in view of the success of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2089/00]
A vaccine has been developed in Cuba to protect against certain strains of meningococcal group B disease found in that country. The working group on bacterial meningitis has reviewed the effectiveness of group B vaccines developed in Cuba and Norway and has established that the components of these vaccines are not effective against the more common strains of meningococcal group B disease found in Ireland. I have no plans, therefore, for the introduction of the Cuban vaccine in this country.
I am, however, aware that work is under way in a number of other countries to develop a vaccine which will be effective against other strains of group B disease, including those found in Ireland. My Department is monitoring the situation in this regard and it is hoped that an effective vaccine will become available in the years ahead.
