Vol. 555 No. 2
121 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he is taking to deal with the decrease in MMR vaccination levels revealed in recent figures published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/02]
Recent immunisation uptake rates for MMR, as provided by the National Disease Surveillance Centre, for children at 24 months are as follows:
|
2001 |
73% |
|
Quarter 1, 2002 |
70% |
|
Quarter 2, 2002 |
72% |
This falls considerably short of the national target of 95% which is required to provide population immunity. I am concerned about the unsatisfactory immunisation uptake rates because of the risk of unimmunised children contracting the potentially serious diseases concerned. In 2001, a national immunisation steering committee was established by health board chief executives to address a wide range of issues relating to the childhood and other immunisation programmes, including the identification of issues relating to the achievement of uptake targets. Mr. Seán Hurley, chief executive officer, Southern Health Board, chaired the steering committee and its members included experts from key bodies and professional organisations involved with immunisation both at national and local level.
The steering committee was assisted by four working groups which examined the areas of communication, material management, IT systems and planning and organisation in relation to immunisation. In addition, a consultation process was arranged which included the invitation of submissions from key stakeholders including parents. On 22 April 2002, I launched the report of the steering committee. This report is the first step towards improving immunisation uptake and also enhancing and developing the key systems which underpin the immunisation programmes. A national immunisation implementation group was established in July 2002 and is responsible for co-ordinating the planning and implementation of immunisation programmes in order to improve uptake. This group reports to the national steering committee.
In order to reassure the public as to the safety of MMR vaccine and to address the negative media coverage on this issue which adds to the confusion of parents in deciding whether or not to vaccinate their children, earlier this year I launched a document entitled "Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine Discussion Pack – an information guide for health professionals and parents". The pack was produced by the National Disease Surveillance Centre and the department of public health, Southern Health Board, and was published by the health boards executive on behalf of the health boards. This document sets out the facts in relation to the most common concerns about MMR in a way that will help health professionals and parents to explore these concerns together, review the evidence in relation to MMR and provide the basis for making an informed decision. The pack addresses such issues as the alleged link between MMR and autism, the safety of the vaccine, combined versus single doses and contraindications to the vaccine.
The primary concern of the Department of Health and Children in relation to immunisation is that the vaccines in use are safe and effective. The Irish Medicines Board and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland support the use of MMR on the grounds that it has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective vaccine. There is a sound evidence basis for the use of MMR in the national programme. I would like to take this opportunity to again urge all parents to have their children immunised against the diseases covered by the childhood immunisation programme in order to ensure that both their children and the population generally have maximum protection against the diseases concerned. General practitioners are aware of the contraindications to the recommended childhood immunisations and parents should discuss any concerns they may have with their general practitioner before making a decision about their child's immunisation.
