Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will bring in some other members of the committee to allow them to ask some questions. We will get to all the answers in time. I have a number of questions myself. On the influenza vaccination for pregnant women, is there a reason that vaccination is not offered in the ante-natal clinics? As a GP, I find it difficult to get the message across because pregnant women feel they should not take any drug or anything during their pregnancy as they feel it could have an adverse effect. That seems to be the barrier that I come across in giving pregnant women the influenza vaccine. Is it possible that it could be promoted through the ante-natal clinics?

Second, on HPV, is there a programme envisaged to offer HPV vaccine to boys? On the HPV vaccine and the problems that are causing a reduction in uptake, the Minister has announced that he is going to develop a care pathway for those who feel they have been affected by the vaccine.

The Minister had announced that he was going to develop a care pathway for those who feel they have been affected by the vaccine. This will enable them to get specialist opinion to examine their symptoms and provide them with treatment. I wonder whether that care pathway is still under discussion or development.