New babies are to benefit from a new childhood immunisation schedule as recommended by Royal College of Physicians and in line with best international practice according to local Fianna Fail T.D. and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Seán Ó Feargháil.
“The new vaccines, which are free of charge from GPs to all children under the age of two years, can be administered when the babies are two months old. The additional vaccines will protect babies against two serious diseases - Pneumococcal disease which can cause meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and pneumonia and Hepatitis B infection that affects the liver and can cause lifelong liver disease.”
“In addition to the new childhood schedule there is a pneumococcal vaccine catch up campaign for all children under two years of age. This is because pneumococcal disease is most common in this age group.”
“Parents and carers should be aware that there is plenty of information about these new vaccines available to them. The National Immunisation Office has produced information leaflets that can be found at local health offices or ordered from www.healthinfo.ie. Information is also available from the website, www.immunisation.ie.”
“These new vaccines are in line with international best practice and I would urge parents to avail of them for their babies. They will provide the best possible protection against disease. Parents and carers should consult the available information and talk to their GPs if they have any concerns or questions,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.