Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1731. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on reports that 300 children were given the wrong vaccines at a GP practice (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38284/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a query from a service user, the HSE recently determined that childhood vaccinations given by one GP in the Newcastle area of County Dublin may not have been effective due to an issue with their administration. There were no known safety issues with the vaccines received previously by the children identified. However, as the children did not receive the vaccines in accordance with the vaccine licence and may not have full immunity from preventable diseases.
From HSE records available there were 290 children who may have been under-vaccinated.
An Incident Management Team carried out an investigation regarding the GP's administration of Primary Childhood Immunisations. A report was prepared by the Incident Management Team leading to recommendations on three core issues: Immunisation practices of the GP concerned; Assessment of any risk to children immunised; Assurance on correct immunisation practices in General Practitioner settings nationwide.
An implementation team was established to implement these recommendations, and have completed all actions with respect to these three issues. On advice from the National Immunisation Office and the Department of Public Health, a re-vaccination exercise was offered. The re-vaccination clinics took place on 30th August and 8th September 2012.
An Implementation Report will issue on completion of the vaccination programme, and I look forward to receiving this report.
