Vol. 503 No. 1
100 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding is available to give hepatitis A and B vaccination to all 26,500 mentally handicapped patients as recommended; and, if so, the source from which it is available. [9393/99]
The Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland recommends immunisation against hepatitis B for patients and carers in institutions for persons with mental handicap. The guidelines also indicate that this group may be considered for immunisation against hepatitis A.
Additional revenue funding of £300,000 was provided to the health boards and voluntary mental handicap agencies by my Department in 1995 to enable the provision of hepatitis B vaccination for staff working in the mental handicap services and for client groups considered to be at risk. This funding has continued to be provided in the agencies' budgets.
101 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health and Children the responses, if any, he has received from the seven hepatology units to the recommendation and advice (details supplied) that all hepatitis C victims should be offered and given hepatitis A and B vaccination; and if it will be given to patients at the Mater Hospital, Dublin and Cork units. [9394/99]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 354, 355 and 366 of 23 March 1999. My Department has conveyed to the relevant hospitals the advice of the Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in relation to vaccination against hepatitis A and B of persons with hepatitis C. Arrangements are being made to ensure that patients attending the relevant hospitals, including the hospitals referred to by the Deputy, can avail of this vaccination.
