Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will consider the introduction of the MenB vaccine when it is licensed early in the new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54714/12]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health following approval of the new 4CMenB vaccine, which is developed by pharmaceutical company Novartis, by the European Medicines Agency, when it is envisaged the vaccine will be granted a licence for use in this State and also if consideration is being given to introducing a vaccination programme on account of the potential transformative benefits this vaccine has in fighting meningitis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54450/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 668 together.

NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice and by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). There is no doubt about the role that vaccines have played in improving the health of children. The development of new vaccines is very welcome. A Health Technology Assessment which includes a cost benefit analysis is carried out prior to any new vaccine being considered. This has a vital role in ensuring that care technologies, including vaccines, are used in a manner appropriate to their ability to maximise health gain and achieve value for money.

Should NIAC advice recommend the inclusion of a new vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the National Immunisation Office will examine the issue. If it is subsequently decided that a vaccine should be included in the vaccination programme, the Health Service Executive, through the National Immunisation Office, initiates the procurement process.