Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

664. To ask the Minister for Health the set price for a meningitis B vaccine and the person or body which set this price; if this vaccine is available for free; if there is a mechanism to have this vaccine provided for free; if he will consider making this vaccine available for free for all children in high risk category under six years of age; if he will review the cost of this vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26938/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE Service Plan included additional funding of €2.5 million for the expansion of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2016. There will be two changes made to the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule later this year with the introduction of Men B and Rotavirus for all babies born on or after 1 October, 2016. The HSE is currently working on the necessary preparations for the introduction of these new vaccines. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. The Men B immunisation programme which is scheduled to start in quarter 4 this year makes Ireland the second country in Europe to make the vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has made recommendations in relation to a number of “at risk groups” but not all of these are included in the current immunisation schedule. The introduction of this vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children born on or after 1 October, 2016 will automatically receive the vaccine. However, there are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However, the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.