Dan Neville
Question:96 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason vaccination for meningitis strand c is not available; and the plans he has to introduce it. [13988/00]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
New vaccines to protect against Group C meningococcal disease 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. It is hoped that the first licence for such a vaccine will be granted in Ireland in the summer. A vaccination programme will begin as soon as possible thereafter.
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. The Health Service Employers Agency is involved in negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation about the involvement of general practitioners in the delivery of the vaccine.