Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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202. To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position of vaccination contracts for general practitioners here (details supplied). [36756/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that parents of all babies born on, or after 1 October 2016, will be able to have their children vaccinated by their family doctor against Meningococcal B (Men B) and Rotavirus as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme (PCIP) from 1 December next. This follows consultation under the Framework Agreement between the Irish Medical Organisation, the Department of Health and the HSE.

Budget 2016 included additional funding for the introduction of these vaccines to the PCIP. Earlier this year the HSE National Immunisation Office commenced arrangements for simultaneous introduction of both vaccines. The HSE has been working with GPs and other health professions for a number of months to prepare for the introduction of the new vaccines. This work has included providing training to over 3,000 vaccinators, distributing vaccines to GP practices, and the providing information on the new vaccines to parents and professionals. The first doses of these vaccines are given at two months of age, which means that the first babies are due to begin receiving these vaccines from the beginning of December.

Finally, I encourage the parents to protect their children’s health by ensuring they receive all of their vaccines, including Men B and Rotavirus, administered under the PCIP.