Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
454. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the introduction of the meningitis B vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation schedule as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/15]
View answer482. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will recommend the introduction of the meningitis B vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13047/15]
View answer503. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he is considering the introduction of a meningitis B vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13240/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 454, 482 and 503 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 a cost effective analysis conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.
My Department recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. In this letter the committee recommends the inclusion of Meningococcal B vaccine in the primary immunisation programme, if the vaccine can be made available at a cost-effective price.
NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningococcal B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of the disease. The vaccine has been used in accordance with the NIAC guidance, along with other measures, to control outbreaks of the disease.
The recommendation from NIAC is being considered by my Department.
