asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of typhoid in Ireland in the last ten years; if he is satisfied that the health services are adequately geared to combat an epidemic; if, having regard to the increasing number of Irish citizens travelling abroad, he will promote an educational programme on the need for immunisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Typhoid Immunisation Programme.
2.
The following are the numbers of cases of typhoid notified to my Department in the last ten years—
INCIDENCE of Typhoid in Ireland for the years 1959-68.
|
Year |
Number of Cases |
|
1959 |
93 |
|
1960 |
10 |
|
1961 |
8 |
|
1962 |
20 |
|
1963 |
15 |
|
1964 |
10 |
|
1965 |
13 |
|
1966 |
7 |
|
1967 |
14 |
|
1968 |
4 |
|
1969 (up to 30/6/69) |
5 |
I am satisfied that the health services are adequately geared to deal with outbreaks of the disease.
With the increase in the numbers from this country travelling abroad it is desirable that information should be more readily available to intending travellers concerning the necessity for or desirability of vaccination against typhoid and other communicable diseases. The preparation of a pamphlet on this subject for circulation is at present under consideration in my Department.
Could the Minister say if this guide will be available to hospitals, a guide as to the type of immunisation required for the various countries visited by our nationals? Is he aware that many hospitals say that nobody, even the Department of Health, is prepared to give it?
I will consider what the Deputy says about issuing this leaflet to hospitals, but the most important people obviously to whom to issue the pamphlet are the travel agents. Perhaps the hospitals should have it as well.
Surely the Minister will agree that someone seeking immunisation does not go to the travel agent but to the hospital or the doctor. If this pamphlet is not available there is a danger that travellers may go to countries without being properly immunised and bring back diseases.
I agree that is a matter that will have to be examined. We will have to look into the circulation of the leaflet and the particular person or persons to whom it should be addressed. The Deputy's suggestion will be borne in mind.