Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
533. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health following the vaccine named Bexcero being approved for use by the European Commission in January 2013, if there are any plans to approve and introduce the use of this vaccine here in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33336/13]
View answer534. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if the level of infection of meningitis B here, being the highest in Europe, has been taken into account in respect of the decision on the use of the vaccine named Bexcero for the treatment of meningitis B here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33337/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 534 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.
