Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2007
168 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay on the part of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee in making a decision on the introduction to the routine childhood immunisation schedule of the vaccine for pneumococcal disease; the discussions she has had on this matter; the action she proposes to take to expedite the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6292/07]
View answerIreland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health.
I understand that 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. My Department has been advised that a recommendation will be made within the next few months. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from NIAC in this regard.
