Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

554. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding meningitis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/15]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

643. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the consideration by his Department of the recommendation of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee for the inclusion of the meningitis B vaccine as part of the primary childhood immunisation schedule; and if proposed action on securing the best possible cost arrangements for the State for procuring medications includes such vaccines. [14930/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 643 together.

In January 2015, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended that Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero^®) be included in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme, if the vaccine can be made available at a cost-effective price. The vaccine is recommended to be given in a 2 + 1 schedule, at 2, 6 and 12 or 13 months.

I intend to request the HSE to engage with the manufacturer with a view to establishing whether a cost effective and sustainable price is achievable in Ireland without prejudice to the ultimate decision on whether the vaccine should be introduced or not.