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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Questions (773, 785, 841)

Alan Farrell

Question:

773. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his policy regarding the addition of the meningitis vaccination to the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/13]

View answer

Brendan Griffin

Question:

785. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine into the childhood immunisation schedule (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/13]

View answer

Thomas Pringle

Question:

841. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine for Meningococcal B Meningitis and septicaemia into the childhood immunisation schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5647/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 773, 785 and 841 together.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice and by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

A Health Technology Assessment which includes a cost benefit analysis is carried out prior to any new vaccine being considered. This has a vital role in ensuring that care technologies, including vaccines, are used in a manner appropriate to their ability to maximise health gain and achieve value for money.

Should NIAC advice recommend the inclusion of a new vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the Health Service Executive's National Immunisation Office will examine the issue.

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