Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 7

Written Answers. - Vaccination Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

59 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the way in which he will ensure that the vaccination scheme to combat HIB disease reaches the 90 per cent uptake necessary to be effective in view of the current confusion over the delivery of this scheme.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

132 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that the countrywide meningitis immunisation programme is being effectively resourced and administered by the regional health boards, in view of the fact that the Irish Medical Organisation has called on the doctors to boycott the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 132 together.

The new HIB vaccine was introduced in October 1992. I am satisfied with the resources being provided for this programme which is delivered through public health doctors and general practitioners. The programme is being promoted by the Department and the health boards and towards this end, the Health Promotion Unit of the Department circulated promotional leaflets aimed at parents and health professionals. A total of 200,000 copies of the leaflet for parents and 5,000 copies of the leaflet for health professionals were circulated through maternity hospitals, health centres, general practitioners, pharmacies and the Health Promotion Unit itself.

The vaccine manufacturers have also prepared comprehensive information for health professionals and leaflets for parents. A vaccine information pack has been offered to all health care professionals including general practitioners, public health doctors, public health nurses, paediatricians, microbiologists, maternity hospital etc. A media seminar on HIB which was addressed by professionals from our health services was held recently.

I am aware of the position of the Irish medical organisation on the programme and my Department and the organisation are discussing the involvement of general practitioners in this programme and other immunisation services.