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 and international best practice.
A vaccine against MenC is given to children at 4 months and 13 months of age as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule (PCIS). A booster dose is given to children in 1st year of second level school to protect against Meningococcal C disease until early adulthood.
NIAC has recommended that if the Meningococcal B vaccine can be made available at a cost-effective price, it should be included in the PCIS. The HSE Service Plan includes additional funding for the expansion of the PCIS in 2016, including the introduction of Meningococcal B vaccination. The HSE is engaging with the manufacturer to see to whether the manufacturer will agree to sell the vaccine at a cost-effective and sustainable price in Ireland. It is intended to introduce Meningococcal B vaccination into the PCIS in 2016 if agreement can be reached.