Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the national immunisation advisory committee will not recommend vaccination for all children against the most common cause of meningitis; if her attention has been further drawn to calls from the Irish branch of Meningitis Trust to have the vaccination campaign extended to all children; her views on a universal campaign for children and the elderly which has recently commenced in the UK and which identifies children aged under two as a particular risk group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15477/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to the inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the primary childhood immunisation programme to immunise against pneumococcal meningitis. Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the national immunisation advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee composed of members from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health. Vaccines are continually evolving and guidelines change according to the nature of these developments. The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the primary childhood immunisation programme is being considered by the national immunisation advisory committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by expert advice from the NIAC in this regard.

The immunisation guidelines for Ireland recommend vaccination against pneumococcal disease for persons who are at increased risk of the disease and its complications, particularly for those with: asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen, including surgical splenectomy; chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome; chronic heart, lung or liver disease illness including cirrhosis; diabetes mellitus; sickle cell disease; immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including HIV infection at all stages; patients with CSF leaks, either congenital or complicating skull fracture or neurosurgery; and persons aged 65 years or older. A vaccine is licensed for use on at risk children under two years of age.