Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015
390. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a decision was made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, NIAC, in respect of sanctioning of the meningitis B vaccine; if so, when it will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5477/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra418. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health his plans to include a vaccine for meningitis B into the national immunisation scheme; the contact there has been between his Department, the Health Service Executive and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 418 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice, and a cost effective analysis conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.
NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease.
My Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This matter will be considered by my Department.
