As parents, we are constantly striving to protect our children and prepare them for the world outside as best we can. When it comes to their health, vaccination against some of the most dangerous diseases and infections forms a central part of this, which is why the provision of the Meningococcal B vaccine is so important.

 

Meningococcal Group B (MenB) poses a major threat to our families, causing potentially deadly meningitis and septicaemia. It is no doubt alarming then, to hear that Ireland has not only the highest rate of invasive meningitis in Europe, but the second highest (after New Zealand) in the world.

 

Last year alone (2014), there were 82 cases of meningococcal disease in the Republic of Ireland, 64 of which were MenB; and with children under five years the most at-risk age category, it's clear that early protection is a key priority. While the production of a MenB vaccine has brought comfort to parents throughout the country however, unfortunately, it is not yet freely available to our children.

 

Despite the MenC vaccine already being a part of our children’s regular vaccination schedule in the Republic of Ireland, the MenB vaccine is only available privately. Currently, for those parents who want to get the vaccine (Bexsero), they can do so from their local pharmacy, but they are facing a rather steep cost. The MenB vaccine costs approximately €85 per dose, and up to three doses – which are administered by your own GP – are required.
 

 

While the HSE has unveiled preliminary plans to roll-out the MenB and rotavirus vaccines as part of the established vaccination schedule, under a €17.9 million plan, no set date or details have been put in place for its implementation.

 

The delay in introducing the MenB vaccine for free has worried parents all over the country, especially as the MenB vaccine is already available for free for residents in Northern Ireland and the UK.

 

The MenB vaccine was introduced in Northern Ireland as part of the Childhood Immunisation Scheme in March 2014. From September of this year onwards, babies born on or after July 1 2015 are being offered the vaccine as part of the routine immunisation schedule. Infants born on or after May 1 2015 are being offered the vaccine as part of a one-off catch-up campaign, while the vaccine is also available free-of-charge to people with medical conditions that make them more susceptible to developing the condition.

 

Given that the MenB vaccine was licenced in the Republic of Ireland in 2013, and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended the Department of Health include it under the routine vaccination schedule, the delay is certainly worrying.

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