Deirdre Clune
Question:47 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, to date in the implementation of the meningitis C vaccine; when it will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2895/00]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
A new conjugate vaccine to protect against group C meningococcal disease has been developed and planning is under way for its introduction in Ireland later this year. The new vaccine is different from previous polysaccharide vaccines and is expected to confer prolonged immunity against this strain of meningitis. A sum of £25 million has been provided in the estimates to meet the anticipated costs in the current year.
It is important that the programme for delivering the vaccine is effective and well-organised and at my Department's request, the chief executive officers of the health boards have established a multi-disciplinary group to take the lead role in this regard. The vaccine will be incorporated into the primary childhood immunisation programme and will also be given to older children and young people in a "catch-up" programme. Each health board has in turn established a regional implementation group, to include a project manager, to undertake detailed local planning for the vaccine's introduction. It is also anticipated that there will be discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation, under the auspices of the Health Service Employers' Agency, about the involvement of general practitioners in the delivery of the vaccine.
The latest indications are that new vaccine should be licensed and available for use in Ireland in the early summer. It can be introduced in this country only when the statutory licensing authority, the Irish Medicines Board, has granted the necessary authorisation. The Irish Medicines Board must of course satisfy itself that the product meets the requirements in relation to such issues as safety and efficacy, before a product authorisation is granted.
My Department is in contact with the health boards about the planning being undertaken and it is also monitoring the situation in relation to the licensing of the vaccine, with a view to having it introduced at the earliest possible date.