Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1083. To ask the Minister for Health his views in relation to the meningitis B vaccine being excluded from the early childhood vaccination programme for children born prior to 2016, and its high cost in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54822/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

All children are offered MenB vaccine at 2 and 4  months of age with a booster  dose of MenB vaccine given at 12 months.  Vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge.

Parents may choose to have their older children vaccinated if they wish. If so, the parents should consult with their GP to arrange its administration on a private basis.