Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 125: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will include pneumococcal immunisation as part of the State-wide universal vaccination programme, as called for by the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Meningitis Trust and in view of the fact that this immunisation is now being implemented in the Six Counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35467/06]

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

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 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 in at-risk children aged under 2 years of age.