Vol. 525 No. 2
173 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the larger than usual number of measles cases which have come before the medical services; the current programme of vaccination and immunisation which is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19909/00]
The latest figures available from the National Disease Surveillance Centre indicate that 1,554 cases of measles were reported up to 21 October 2000. This represents an increase of 1,434 cases over the same period last year. While there are indications that the current measles epidemic is being brought under control, it remains very important that the maximum number of children are immunised against the disease.
In view of the current primary immunisation uptake levels generally, and especially in relation to MMR, I have asked the health boards to make every effort to achieve the national target of 95% in the primary childhood immunisation programme this year.
The health boards indicate that a range of measures is being adopted to improve the uptake of MMR and the other primary vaccinations.
These include accelerated MMR booster campaigns at school level; the identification and follow-up of unimmunised children in the community; targeting of groups or geographic areas where there are particular problems with uptake; general practitioners being asked to make special efforts to promote immunisation to parents; and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the importance of MMR immunisation at national and regional level.
The national immunisation committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, in its 1999 guidelines, recommended the bringing forward of the age at which an MMR booster is given to four to five year olds. Previously it had been recommended at 11-12 years. When these guidelines were published in February 2000, my Department requested the health boards to implement this change in the MMR immunisation schedule.
