asked the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce vaccination against rubella for all schoolgoing girls in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rubella Vaccination.
2.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 11th February, 1970, to a question by Deputy Richie Ryan regarding immunisation against rubella.
Since that date the vaccine against rubella has come on the market in this country and it is a matter for individual doctors to use the vaccine at their discretion.
As I indicated in the reply referred to, consideration is being given to the introduction of a general scheme of vaccination against the disease. I am not yet in a position to recommend such a scheme to health authorities but the matter is being kept under review.
Will the Minister say why he is not in a position to recommend this scheme to local authorities?
I have stated the reason already in a previous reply.
Will the Minister state the reason now?
The reason is the same as that stated previously.
Will the Minister not expedite provision of this vaccination to all schoolgoing girls as requested?
I do not think the matter is urgent because gamma-globulin can be given to a pregnant woman who comes in contact with this disease and she can be satisfactorily protected against the effects of the disease. Medical practitioners should inform any woman who comes in contact with the disease that she can be given gamma-globulin.
Can the Minister tell us the cost of providing gamma-globulin?
That is a separate question.
The Minister must be aware that gamma-globulin costs £15 for a single dose, that it is not without its own danger to the patient and can cause death. A live vaccine against rubella would be far more effective.
I do not agree with the Deputy.
I am calling Question No. 3.