Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the take-up of immunisation programmes here; if she will take further action to improve same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19650/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The objective of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is to achieve vaccine uptake levels of 95% as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This is the rate required to provide population immunity and to protect children and the population generally from the potentially serious diseases concerned. Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) 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 current childhood schedule contains immunisations against twelve infectious diseases: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae B (Hib) disease, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal disease, Meningococcal Group C disease, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Immunisation uptake rates in this country continue to improve. Figures published recently by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE show that immunisation uptake rates for children aged 24 months reached 94% for diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (whooping cough) and DTP vaccines, and 90% for MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. I welcome the fact that the uptake target of 95% was reached or exceeded in a number of HSE Local Health Offices.

Vaccination is not mandatory in Ireland, but is strongly recommended by my Department. Under the Childhood Immunisation Programme all vaccines and their administration are provided free of charge for all children. I am arranging for the latest Quarterly Summary Uptake Report to be forwarded to the Deputy today.