Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
501. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the persons and bodies responsible financially for the medical costs of the young persons who as a result of receiving the human papilloma virus vaccine had an adverse reaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15566/15]
View answer502. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason the age category of 12 to 13 years was chosen to administer the human papilloma virus vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15567/15]
View answer503. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the manufacturer of the human papilloma virus vaccine (details supplied) is indemnified against prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 501 to 503, inclusive, together.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on Childhood Immunisation made recommendations in relation to the development of vaccination services for children in Ireland. Since that time the majority of the recommendations made in the report have been addressed and implemented. In relation to the recommendation regarding a no fault vaccine damage compensation scheme my Department convened an expert group to examine this issue. The report from this Group is available on my Department's website (www.health.gov.ie). There are no plans to introduce a vaccine damage compensation scheme at this time.
The HPV vaccine protects girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. It is available free of charge from the HSE for all girls in 1st year of secondary school. This is in accordance with the recommendation received from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee which indicated that the vaccine should be offered on an annual basis to all girls aged 12. The advice, based on public health considerations and supported by the cost-effectiveness analysis, is that HPV vaccines confer maximum benefit both individually and on a population basis if administered prior to HPV exposure.
The manufacturer of the HPV vaccine used in the immunisation programme in Ireland has not been indemnified against criminal prosecution.
