Written answers

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Department of Health and Children

Vaccination Programme

8:00 pm

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that pneumococcal meningitis has a fatality rate of about 20 per cent and that it is associated with a higher risk of permanent neurological damage such as deafness and epilepsy; 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 this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29525/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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. Vaccines are continually evolving and guidelines change given 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 the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard.

The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland currently 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

Persons aged 65 years or older.

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