Results 21-40 of 61 for flu speaker:Mary Harney

Vaccination Programme. (4 Nov 2009)

Mary Harney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 81 together. The incidence of influenza-like illnesses, ILI, reported on 25 October last is at a rate of 210.9 per 100,000 population. This is the highest ILI rate reported since sentinel influenza surveillance began in 2000. There were 2,727 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 on that date. It is not necessary for swabs to be taken by GPs to make a...

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (3 Nov 2009)

Mary Harney: All of the medical evidence, both national and international, available to my Department is that the swine flu vaccine is suitable and safe for pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and women six weeks post partum should avail of the vaccine.

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (3 Nov 2009)

Mary Harney: The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group have advised that the pandemic vaccine should be given to the population in the following order of priority: People with long term medical conditions aged between 6 months and 65 years and all pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and women six weeks post partum; Health Care Workers;...

Seanad: Swine Flu Outbreak: Statements (6 May 2009)

Mary Harney: I welcome the opportunity to speak to the Seanad on the ongoing situation in relation to the current outbreak of influenza and the measures being taken in response to the outbreak On Friday, 24 April 2009, a public health alert was received from the World Health Organisation indicating that human cases of influenza type A(H1 N1) virus infection had been identified in the US and Mexico. On 26...

Seanad: Swine Flu Outbreak: Statements (6 May 2009)

Mary Harney: ...the meeting last Thursday, I was reassured to know we are as prepared as anybody else, but it is clear that in the event of a pandemic, all health systems would be challenged. On schools, swine flu was to be considered today by the Department of Education and Science at its management meeting, but the guidelines suggest that, in the event of an outbreak in a crèche, the crèche would be...

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (27 Jan 2009)

Mary Harney: My Department and the Health Service Executive published the National Pandemic Influenza Plan in 2007. The purpose of the plan is to limit the effects of a potential pandemic and to inform the public about pandemic influenza, explain what the Government and Health Services are doing to prepare for a possible pandemic, and give information on what members of the public need to do if there is a...

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (23 Oct 2008)

Mary Harney: The Health Service Executive provides free flu vaccine to GPs for all persons over 65. There is no charge for the administration of the vaccine for those over 65 who have a medical card or GP visit card. Where the patient does not have a medical card or GP visit card the fee for administering the vaccine is a matter between the GP and the patient.

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (30 Sep 2008)

Mary Harney: The National Immunisation Advisory Committee guidelines recommend flu vaccination for various categories of persons. Vaccination is recommended for among others "those likely to transmit influenza to a person at high risk for influenza complications (including household contacts and out-of-home care givers)." I am advised by the Health Service Executive that this includes carers. There is no...

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (2 Apr 2008)

Mary Harney: Avian flu, or "bird flu", is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It can affect all species of birds and other animals and can very rarely infect humans. To date , there have been a small number of human cases of infection with the avian flu (H5N1) virus in situations where there has been very close human contact with infected birds. There is no...

Written Answers — North-South Co-operation: North-South Co-operation (14 Feb 2008)

Mary Harney: ...basis and significant progress was made in the five designated areas of cooperation. Progress was also made on North/South cooperation in other areas of health such as Suicide Prevention, Pandemic Flu Planning, GP Out of Hours Services and Child Protection. Since the restoration of the Institutions in May 2007, both Health Departments have agreed to undertake a Feasibility Study on the...

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (17 Oct 2007)

Mary Harney: ...The Cope" Gallagher TD met with Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety on Friday 5 October 2007. The issues discussed were Suicide, Cancer Services, Pandemic Flu and Acute Hospital Services. The significant amount of current joint cooperation was acknowledged and it was agreed to continue to pursue options for working on an all island basis on these...

Written Answers — Control of Infectious Diseases: Control of Infectious Diseases (17 Oct 2007)

Mary Harney: I take it the question relates to a possible human flu pandemic. For the sake of clarity, avian flu is primarily a disease of birds. To date, there have been a small number of human cases of infection with the avian flu (H5N1) virus in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of efficient human to human transmission. I would like to draw...

Written Answers — General Practitioner Services: General Practitioner Services (4 Jul 2007)

Mary Harney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together. The criteria for those who should receive the seasonal flu vaccine are set by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, a Sub Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, which advises me and my Department. It is recommended that those considered to be at risk of influenza related complications should go to their G.P. for...

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (5 Apr 2007)

Mary Harney: ...between 3 days and a month after a tick bite and spreads outwards from the initial bite site. This rash can last up to a month and be several inches in diameter. People can also complain of 'flu-like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, neck stiffness, fever, muscle aches and general fatigue. Occasionally, there may be more serious symptoms involving the nervous system, joints, the...

Written Answers — Hospital Accommodation: Hospital Accommodation (5 Dec 2006)

Mary Harney: ...the priority tasks and actions set out under the three main elements of the Initiative: Promotion and Prevention, Hospital Avoidance, and Capacity. A publicity campaign is underway focussing on the Flu/Pneumo-vaccine campaign among the elderly, and the importance of staying safe and warm during the winter period.

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (1 Nov 2006)

Mary Harney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 126 together. I take it both questions relate to a possible human flu pandemic. For the sake of clarity, avian flu (H5N1) is primarily a disease of birds. To date, there have been a very small number of human cases of H5N1 infection in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of efficient...

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (1 Nov 2006)

Mary Harney: The overall cost of the influenza vaccine campaign was €10.837m for the 2004/2005 influenza season and €11.465m in the 2005/2006 season. Final costs are not yet available for the current season. The figures given include the costs of the media campaigns, the flu vaccine and GP fees. Influenza vaccine uptake statistics are available for those aged 65 years and over. Data provided by...

Written Answers — Vaccination Programme: Vaccination Programme (10 Oct 2006)

Mary Harney: The criteria for those who should receive the seasonal flu vaccine are set by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, a Sub Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, which advises me and my Department. It is recommended that those considered to be at risk of influenza related complications should go to their G.P. for vaccination. The "at risk" groups include persons...

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (27 Sep 2006)

Mary Harney: ...between 3 days and a month after a tick bite and spreads outwards from the initial bite site. This rash can last up to a month and be several inches in diameter. People can also complain of 'flu-like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, neck stiffness, fever, muscle aches and general fatigue. Occasionally, there may be more serious symptoms involving the nervous system, joints, the...

Written Answers — Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases (29 Mar 2006)

Mary Harney: For the sake of clarity, avian flu, H5N1, is primarily a disease of birds. To date, there have been a very small number of human cases of H5N1 infection documented in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of human to human transmission. The Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for controlling avian flu in birds and mammals...