GPs warn that new baby vaccine is likely to be delayed

The additional vaccines were due to be given to 65,000 newborn babies to protect them against Meningococcal B/MenB and Rotavirus.  Ireland has the highest rate of invasive meningococcal disease in Europe and MenB disease is the major cause of these infections which can cause severe illness and death. Rotavirus disease is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children and results in 1,000 hospital admissions each year.

Starting in December, the Department of Health and the HSE had planned to add two new vaccines to be given by GPs to all children born after October 1st last. Now GPs have accused the HSE of failing to plan for the introduction of the vaccine., a situation Dr. Austin Byrne of the GP Committee of the IMO describes as “deeply regrettable”.

“These are important vaccines." said Dr Byrne. "Indeed, I will be giving my own new-born baby these vaccines and I strongly support their widespread introduction across the community. GPs have played a key role in ensuring that Ireland has one of the most effective immunisation regimes in the world but this experience makes me fearful that this will be lost. Following early discussions with the IMO, the Department of Health and the HSE have simply disengaged in the past number of weeks, leaving GPs, and more importantly parents of new-borns, at a loss as to what is happening. This really is a disgrace. There is a lot of talk about new contracts and health reform but we fear, if this is to be the level of engagement, that is all it is - talk.”.

Was your newborn due to have these vaccines? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.