Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

John Gormley

Question:

124 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to follow the example of the United States by making smallpox vaccine available to people who fear the threat of bio-terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3169/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

In the wake of the events of 11 September 2001 in the USA, I established an expert committee under the chairmanship of Professor William Hall, director of the virus reference laboratory – VRL – to develop a contingency plan which would implemented in the unlikely event of a biological attack in this country.

Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, I approved the purchase of specific antibiotics and vaccines which would be required in the event of a biological attack with specific class A agents. Some 600,000 doses of smallpox vaccine have been purchased for use in the event of a confirmed case of the disease. It is accepted that smallpox vaccine can be diluted by a factor of five or six and still retain satisfactory levels of efficacy.

The expert committee's contingency plan – Biological Threats – A Health Response for Ireland – sets out protocols dealing with the main class A biological agents. In relation to the specific issues concerning the prevention and treament of smallpox, the advice of the committee is broadly based on WHO guidelines; this includes the identification of persons with smallpox, the tracing of contacts, the vaccination of these groups and subsequent management of the condition.

In the unlikely event of a case of smallpox occurring, the expert committee will provide advice in relation to the management of the situation, including the issues of vaccine use and dilution based on the specific circumstances prevailing at the time.