Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am advised that all the information provided to parents about the vaccination is prepared from the available licensed documentation for each vaccine. This is the summary of product characteristics, SPC, and the patient information leaflet. The information is presented in clear, simple language and approved by the National Adult Literacy Agency so that it can be understood by all adults, as the average reading age in Ireland is lower than the adult age. Prior to all school immunisations, parents receive an information pack in a sealed package with an information leaflet, consent form and cover letter. The information packs for all immunisations are standardised nationally and the information booklets include information on the most common adverse events that can occur after each vaccine.For schools vaccines, parents are also given the contact details of their local immunisation office and advised to speak to a member of the school immunisation team if they have any further questions. Each information leaflet also refers patients to the national immunisation website, immunisation.ie, where additional information, including the licence documentation, the summary of product characteristic, SPC, and the patient information leaflet, PIL, for each vaccine are found. The national immunisation website has been accredited by the World Health Organization for credibility, content and good information practices. The website allows members of the public to contact the national information office to ask any question if they require further information. These questions, when possible, are answered by the staff of the immunisation office within one working day.