Question on introduction of new Meningitis B vaccine into Childhood Immunisation Schedule

QUESTION NO 841

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Health (Dr. James Reilly)

for WRITTEN ANSWER on 05/02/2013

* To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine for Meningococcal B Meningitis and Septicaemia into the Childhood Immunisation Schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Thomas Pringle T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 5th February, 2013.

REPLY.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). 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).

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 Health Service Executive’s National Immunisation Office will examine the issue.

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