Vol. 430 No. 2
268 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the disappointing take-up in vaccination of young children, he intends to take action to increase the levels of HIB vaccination to a higher percentage; his views on the Irish College of General Practitioners proposal to have one standard vaccination schedule for children.
Every opportunity is taken by health professionals to encourage and advise parents to immunise their children. The estimated current take up in the vaccination of young children as reported to my Department by the health boards ranges from approximately 75 per cent for, for example, Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio to 60 per cent for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Approximately 200,000 doses of the Hib vaccine, which was introduced in October, 1992, were supplied up to the end of last year. My Department introduced a revised immunisation schedule in 1992 and all health professionals have been advised of it. The immunisation schedule is under continuous review in the light of the best practice and advice available. I will of course have the views of the Irish College of General Practitioners considered when they become available.
