Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2012

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Questions (574)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

574. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will explain the differences which exists between counties with regard to the administration of the BCG vaccine; the reason a baby born in County Roscommon cannot get vaccinated until they are in fifth or sixth class in school; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the vaccination is not available privately and that the vaccine service that is available in other counties is only available to children born in those counties; the reason there are such discrepancies from one county to the next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41938/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommends that there is a universal BCG vaccination policy in place. Historically, BCG vaccination is given in HSE West to children in 5th/6th class in primary schools and also to infants in the 'at risk' categories. This continues with the agreement of the NIAC. This is effective in terms of outcomes. The latest validated figures for epidemiology of TB in Ireland relates to 2009. In 2009, the national rate of TB incidence was 11.3 per 100,000 of the population, ranging from 5.1 in HSE West to 15.7 in HSE East.