Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that pneumococcal meningitis has a fatality rate of approximately 20 per cent and that it is associated with a higher risk of permanent neurological damage such as deafness and epilepsy; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that many countries around the world provide for the routine immunisation of babies against this disease yet Ireland does not have a pneumococcal vaccination as part of the childhood immunisation schedule; the steps she intends to take to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21321/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am well aware of the potential consequences of pneumococcal infection. 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 from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health.

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 the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard