Michael Ring
Question:112 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the drug used for the treatment of meningococcal meningitis in the United Kingdom will be approved and available for use here. [7323/00]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to a new conjugate vaccine to protect against group C meningococcal disease. Planning is under way for the introduction of this vaccine in Ireland later this year. 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 satisfy itself that the product meets the requirements in relation to such issues as safety and efficacy before a product authorisation is granted. The latest indications are that the vaccine should be licensed and available for use here in the summer.