asked the Minister for Health what steps have been taken to make available and to make the medical profession aware of ample supplies of a safe rubella vaccine to combat the possibility of babies being born with congenital malformations due to their mothers contracting German measles during pregnancy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rubella Vaccine.
13.
I understand that a vaccine against rubella will become available in this country shortly.
I presume that the Deputy has in mind the introduction of a general immunisation scheme against the disease, through health authorities. This matter has been under consideration in my Department but there are certain factors regarding such immunisation which require further examination. I do not propose at present to recommend a general scheme of immunisation to health authorities.
I think it is important to emphasise that pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to the use of this vaccine and that it should not be given to any woman of child-bearing age unless there is reasonable certainty she will not become pregnant within the following two months.
I might add that the scheme under which Gamma Globulin is available to women exposed to the risk of rubella in pregnancy remains in operation.