Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
538. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the way he has ensured the availability of the meningitis B vaccine from the HSE in order to prevent the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16533/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE Service Plan included additional funding of €2.5 million for the expansion of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2016. Two changes were made to the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule with the introduction of Men B and Rotavirus for all babies born on or after 1 October, 2016. As the first doses of these vaccines are administered to children when they reach two months, the changes to the immunisation schedule took effect from 1 December, 2016. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. Ireland is the second country in Europe to make the vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.
In December 2013, NIAC issued guidance relating to the use of Bexsero in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease. The vaccine has been used in accordance with this guidance, along with other measures, to control outbreaks of the disease.
In June 2014, NIAC recommended immunisation with Meningitis B vaccine for all previously unimmunised close contacts of meningococcal disease. Currently people who are contacts of cases that are not part of clusters are prescribed antibiotics as a prophylactic measure.
The introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children born on or after 1 October 2016, including those in "at risk groups", will automatically receive the vaccine. There are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.
