Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

Mary Upton

Question:

53 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he is taking to deal with the decease 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. [22919/02]

Denis Naughten

Question:

58 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to improve the uptake of vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22831/02]

Marian Harkin

Question:

68 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fact that MMR vaccination rates have now reached crisis levels and represent a serious public issue. [22806/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 58 and 68 together.

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. At these levels of vaccine uptake, I am concerned that there will be further measles outbreaks with serious consequences for morbidity and mortality in children in this country.
A national immunisation steering committee was established by health board chief executives in 2001 to address a wide range of issues relating to the childhood and other immunisation programmes including the identification of issues hampering the achievement of uptake targets. The report of the steering committee, which I launched on 22 April this year, is the first step towards improving immunisation uptake and also enhancing and developing the key systems which underpin the immunisation programmes. To implement the recommendations contained in the report the health board chief executive officers established a national immunisation implementation group in July this year. This group is currently looking at measures which, when implemented, will improve vaccine uptake levels.
To reassure the public as to the safety of MMR vaccine and to address the negative coverage on this issue which adds to the confusion of parents in deciding whether 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 on 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 on 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 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 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.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 32.
Top
Share