Fergus O'Dowd
Question:137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding meningitis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4125/15]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2015
137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding meningitis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4125/15]
View answer140. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if there is a timeframe to introduce the new vaccine against meningitis B and to make it freely available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4138/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 140 together.
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 experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health.
NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease.
My Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This matter will be considered by my Department.