Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 7

Written Answers. - Child Immunisation Scheme.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

72 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the take-up rate of the various childhood vaccinations in each of the years 1990 to 1994; the proposals, if any, he has to improve the take-up rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7025/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): There are several deficiencies in the current primary childhood immunisation system, which will be rectified in the implementation of the measures relating to immunisation in Shaping a Healthier Future. One consequence of these deficiencies, which relate to the system of delivery, the absence of computerisation in some areas and an inadequate system of reporting by general practitioners on vaccinations carried out, is that it is not possible to assess uptake levels accurately.

In 1994 the report of the Revenue Group on Primary Childhood Immunisation recognised that the general practitioner was ideally placed to deliver the primary childhood immunisation programme and achieve the 95 per cent uptake necessary to eliminate as far as possible the diseases in question. Discussions are taking place with the Irish Medical Organisation regarding the terms on which such a programme can be provided by general practitioners.

That report also made recommendations regarding the reporting requirements of GPs, follow-up of children who have not been immunised, the right of the health board to intervene and take action where the contract is not being fulfilled etc. A system of notification of immunisation to the health board and to my Department was also recommended. In particular it recommended that each health board make an annual report to my Department on: (a) the system of delivery, (b) the immunisation uptake for the region, (c) the number of children who have not been immunised, (d) the measures taken to promote immunisation and in particular the measures taken to follow up the children who were not immunised, and, (e) the cost of the immunisation programme.

I am satisfied that a structured national immunisation scheme with a single source of delivery can achieve the recommended 95 per cent uptake and will generate accurate information on the uptake level.