asked the Minister for Health the steps he proposes to take in the event of an outbreak of rubella in this country.
35.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rubella Precautions.
34.
asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that there is sufficient public awareness, particularly among pregnant women, of the dangers of contracting rubella; and if he will take steps to ensure that all women are made aware of the availability of the appropriate vaccine and the circumstances under which it is available.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, to take Questions No. 34 and 35 together.
Under a vaccination scheme administered by my Department, rubella vaccination is offered to all girls aged 12-14 years. My Department's statistics show that the uptake of this form of vaccination averages 76 per cent of the target figure. In addition a recent survey of the immunity levels of women entering maternity hospitals indicated that over 85 per cent were immune to rubella. In the light of these figures a major outbreak of rubella is highly unlikely.
My Department endeavours to publicise the availability of all forms of vaccination offered to the public and the response to the rubella vaccination scheme for girls is reasonably satisfactory. In addition rubella vaccination is available through health boards to women at risk, for example trainee nurses, doctors and teachers and it is offered in maternity hospitals after the delivery of their babies to those women found to have no immunity to the disease. If a woman in early pregnancy, who has no immunity to rubella, comes in contact with the disease, she may be given an injection of gamma globulin which helps prevent her getting the disease.
Is the Minister satisfied that the public generally are aware of the availability of this vaccine and the circumstances under which it is available, due to the seriousness of deformities in children born in such cases?
I cannot say that I am entirely and fully satisfied but the uptake is very satisfactory and we do publicise the availability of the vaccine. If the Deputy can make any further suggestions as to a particular course of action he would like us to take we will certainly consider it.
The Minister should give more publicity to it.