Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015
69. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendation by the national immunisation advisory committee that a meningococcal B vaccine be included in the primary childhood immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27581/15]
View answerThe 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 and international best practice.
The Department 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.
I am awaiting further advices from NIAC concerning the administration of the vaccine and how this impacts on the current vaccines in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. I have asked the HSE to engage with the manufacturer with a view to establishing whether a cost effective and sustainable price is achievable in Ireland without prejudice to the ultimate decision on whether the vaccine should be introduced or not.
The Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE, is examining evidence based changes to the Primary Childhood and Schools Immunisation Schedule. The resource implications of the introduction of any new vaccine will be considered in the context of the Estimates Process, the review of HSE vaccination services, engagement with the manufacturers, and the HSE Service Planning Process.
Immunisation policy is based on providing a safe, sustainable and cost-effective programme of immunisation. The introduction of any new vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation schedule will be considered in the context of recommendations from NIAC, the outcome of cost-effective analysis, the conclusions of the review of HSE vaccination services currently being carried out, and resource availability.
