Vol. 511 No. 1
128 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby Western Health Board officials are seeking greater personal information from patients before childhood vaccinations are administered; and if he considers that this increase in bureaucracy will affect the implementation of the vaccination programme. [23825/99]
The operation of the primary childhood immunisation programme is a matter for the health boards in the first instance. I have made inquiries of the Western Health Board about the matter raised by the Deputy. The board has informed me that the additional information referred to is sought only in cases where the children vaccinated were not originally registered with the GP in question, for example, returned emigrants, families relocating from other areas or families choosing to have a GP other than their nominated GP administer the vaccine. This ensures that where children have come from outside the board's area, vaccinations previously administered to them will be on record. The board has indicated that the collection of additional information in these cases enhances the accuracy of uptake statistics and ensures accurate payment to GP's for vaccinations given.
