Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2006
55 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has been lobbied extensively in recent weeks on the question of the introduction of a vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis; the estimated costs for the introduction of this vaccine; the vaccine’s effectiveness in dealing with the meningitis problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21478/06]
View answer75 Mr. Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide routine immunisation of babies against pneumococcal meningitis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21350/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 75 together.
The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard. The funding of vaccination programmes is a matter for consideration by the HSE.
