asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to a report (copy enclosed) regarding the possibility of deformed infants being born to some 15 per cent of Irish women who are not immunised against German measles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - German Measles Vaccination.
88.
I have seen the report referred to by the Deputy.
Rubella, or German measles, is generally a mild disease but it can cause abnormalities in children born to women who contract it in the early months of pregnancy. An approved vaccination scheme against rubella has been in operation since August, 1971. This vaccination is available free of charge to girls aged 12 and 13 years, the object being to vaccinate girls prior to their reaching childbearing age. There has been a good response to this scheme; in 1973, about 85 per cent of the girls in the age-group concerned were vaccinated.
Women not vaccinated against rubella may, however, have achieved immunity as a result of having contracted the disease in childhood and thus having developed a natural immunity. Most women have such immunity. To achieve immunity by vaccination in women of childbearing years not naturally immune, it is necessary to carry out a blood test to establish whether or not vaccination is required and it is also essential to ensure that the woman does not become pregnant for a period of about two months following vaccination. Taking these points into consideration, the long-term advantages of a scheme aimed at the 12 and 13 years old age groups become obvious.
Would the Minister consider making this immunisation available to girls in national schools, if requested?
It is available to all girls between the age of 12 and 13, irrespective of what school they are attending, and my information is that, in fact, 85 per cent were vaccinated in 1973. That was, if you like, public vaccination. There may have been private vaccinations as well, which would raise the percentage still higher.
Is vaccination available on an organised basis or is it on request?
On an organised basis, yes.