Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

197 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent disclosure that children were administered with out of date polio vaccine and that the Department, through the health boards, is commencing to re-vaccinate children administered with such vaccine, the Department has investigated the side effects of re-administrating this vaccine to children who have already received the full strength vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8751/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The recommendation that any dose of oral polio vaccine given more than one month after its expiry date should be repeated, is based on the expert advice of the immunisation advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. The committee has also advised that the administration of additional doses of OPV to individuals who are already protected poses no additional risk.