Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
455. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recent outbreak of meningitis B in England, consideration is being given to a catch-up vaccine programme in Ireland for older children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23271/26]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice. NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal B. The MenC vaccine protects against meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) caused by meningococcal C. The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal C and also meningococcal types A, W and Y. The MenB vaccine is included in Ireland’s Primary Childhood Immunisation programme. It was introduced for children born on or after 1 October 2016. All children are offered MenB vaccination at 2 and 4 months of age, with a booster dose of MenB vaccine given at 12 months. Meningitis B disease is most common in babies under the age of 1 year old and the timing of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme is provided on this basis. The MenC vaccine is also included in the Primary Childhood Immunisation programme, with all children offered MenC vaccination at 13 months. The MenC vaccine was introduced to the second level school vaccination programme in the 2014/2015 academic year. The HSE replaced the MenC vaccine with the MenACWY (which offers protection against meningococcal types A, W and Y as well as type C) in 2019/2020 academic year, following recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and instruction from the Department of Health to implement the change. The MenACWY vaccine was introduced to the 1st year school immunisation programme in 2019/2020 for all students and continues to be offered to 1st year students. The programme is also available for students who are age equivalent and home schooled and those who attend special schools. NIAC do not currently recommend a MenB vaccination programme for adolescents. NIAC continue to review the evolving epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness and possible vaccination strategies. Formal updates are provided to NIAC by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in Ireland.
In its work plan for 2026, NIAC has included an evidence review of Men B vaccination in adolescents and young adults. As part of its horizon scanning function, NIAC continuously reviews emerging health threats. The evolving situation in the UK is being closely monitored.
