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 answerThursday, 29 January 2015
Questions (137, 140)
Finian McGrath
Question:140. 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 answerWritten answers
I 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.