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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

896 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position concerning the percentage of the population who have received the MMR vaccine; if there are regional variations in this data; his views on the growing trend and percentage of children in the United Kingdom who do not have the MMR vaccine; the implications concerning vaccine levels here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20146/03]

The national uptake rate for the measles, mumps and rubella, MMR, vaccine among children of 24 months of age is calculated on a quarterly basis by the National Disease Surveillance Centre. Data provided by the NDSC indicates that in quarter 1, 2003, the national uptake rate for MMR vaccine was 77%. In addition, uptake rates reported by individual health boards ranged from 71% to 87% – See Table 1. This represents an increase of 2% in the national uptake rate when compared with the previous quarter and an increase of 7% in comparison with the same quarter in 2002. The national uptake rate has increased from 69% in Q4, 2001 to 77% in Q1, 2003 – See Table 1. This trend has been reflected in each of the health boards with all health boards having reported an increase in the uptake rate for MMR over this time period. Although MMR uptake rates have been improving over the past year and a half, they are still considerably lower than the national target rate of 95% which is required to provide population immunity.

The NDSC has advised that MMR uptake in the United Kingdom has decreased from 84% in Q4, 2001 to 79% in Q1, 2003. This trend is further reflected in the uptake rates reported by England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where each region has reported a decrease in uptake of MMR vaccine over the same time period.

The primary concern of my Department 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.

The health board chief executive officers established a national immunisation steering committee to address a wide range of issues relating to the childhood and other immunisation pro grammes, including the identification of issues that are hampering the achievement of uptake targets. I launched the report of the steering committee on 22 April 2002. This report is a significant step towards improving immunisation uptake and also enhancing and developing the key systems which underpin the immunisation programmes. In July 2002 a national immunisation implementation group was established 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 improve vaccine uptake, I have made an additional €2.116 million available in 2003 to fund specific projects and measures which will improve immunisation uptake. There is concern among some parents in relation to the MMR vaccine. Negative coverage on this issue has added to the confusion of parents in deciding whether to vaccinate their children. Last year I launched the MMR Vaccine Discussion Pack – an information guide for health professionals and parents. The pack was produced by the National Disease Surveillance Centre, the Department of Health and Children, the Southern Health Board and was published by the Health Boards Executive on behalf of the health boards. The pack sets out the facts in relation to the most common concerns about the 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 information is presented in such a way as to allow full discussion between health professionals and parents on each issue. The pack also contains an information leaflet for parents. The layout of the pack is in question and answer format and addresses such issues as the alleged link between MMR and autism and Crohn's disease, the safety and side effects of the vaccine, the purpose of a second dose of vaccine, combined vaccine versus single doses and contraindications to the vaccine. The pack will be of great assistance to health professionals and will enable them to respond to the very real concerns of parents.
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 disease concerned.
Table 1: Uptake of MMR vaccine in Ireland by health board, 2000-2003.

Q12000

Q22000

Q32000

Q42000

Q12001

Q22001

Q32001

Q42001

Q12002

Q22002

Q32002

Q42002

Q12003

ERHA

76

74

81

81

77

67

59

60

60

63

64

68

71

MHB

73

73

75

80

77

75

68

70

64

71

73

79

87

MWHB

70

75

78

83

78

76

71

70

70

82

92

81

78

NEHB

81

78

79

82

77

81

70

80

78

82

80

79

79

NWHB

74

72

72

77

76

83

77

75

81

80

79

79

79

SEHB

86

89

92

92

90

88

87

82

82

81

81

82

82

SHB

72

76

77

82

80

77

74

74

75

74

70

80

80

WHB

82

82

84

85

84

78

74

68

68

78

74

75

74

Ireland

76

77

80

83

79

75

70

69

70

72

73

75

77

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