Vol. 532 No. 1
162 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a new four in one vaccine in view of the fact that this vaccine has now been approved by the Irish Medicines Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6459/01]
163 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on reports that increased childhood vaccination rates and a reduction in general practitioner workload will result if a new four-in-one vaccine is made available by his Department. [6460/01]
182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the adoption of a newly licensed four in one combination vaccination programme. [6554/01]
187 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make available the new Irish four in one vaccine in view of the recent statements made by a person (details supplied) that increased childhood vaccination uptake rates and a reduction in general practitioner workload will result if the new vaccine is made available. [6559/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 163, 182 and 187 together.
Consideration is currently being given to introducing new combination vaccines into the primary and booster immunisation programme. It is expected that the change over to these products will take place within the next few months.
It is the policy of my Department to keep immunisation policy under ongoing review in the light of the vaccines available and the advice of the relevant experts in this field. The new combination vaccines will reduce the number of separate injections which children receive during their primary and booster immunisations and as such will, I anticipate, be welcomed by parents and doctors alike.
