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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Questions (418)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

418. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a new vaccine against meningitis B, Bexsero, which was licensed by the European Commission in January 2013, and has been a breakthrough to potentially save thousands of lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43277/13]

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Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The 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.

There are currently no plans to introduce Meningococcal group B (Meningitis B) vaccine in Ireland. However should the NIAC advice recommend its inclusion into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the Health Service Executive National Immunisation Office will examine the issue.

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