Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 205: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if consideration was given to acquiring a mercury free vaccine for the H1N1 virus, particularly for pregnant women and young children; if not, the reason for same; her views on acquiring such a vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35789/09]

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

No specific consideration was given to acquiring a mercury free vaccine for the H1N1 virus. Ireland entered into advance purchase agreements with manufacturers prior to the manufacture of the vaccines.

The mercury-containing compound in vaccines is thiomersal which is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination of multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use at the European Medicines Agency has evaluated the scientific evidence in relation to the safety of thiomersal and has concluded that immunisation with vaccines containing thiomersal continues to offer benefits to the general population, including pregnant women and children. This is the agreed position for use of the vaccines within the EU. In Ireland the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has advised that there are no concerns with regards to the safety of thiomersal and vaccines containing thiomersal can be used for both adults and children.