Changes to Childhood Immunisation Schedule

Significant changes to the National Immunisation Programme for children to are to be launched by the HSE this week.

The changes include two new childhood vaccinations - one to protect against hepatitis B and the other against pneumococcal disease (PCV vaccine). Hepatitis B is a viral disease that can affect the liver. Pneumococcal disease is bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain), pneumonia or blood poisoning (septicaemia).

The new vaccines will be included in the childhood immunisation programme from September 2008 and will apply to all children born after 1 st July 2008. The new PCV vaccine will be given at 2, 6 and 12 months of age. Children under 2 years of age will be offered a catch-up PCV vaccine as children of this age are most at risk. The HSE will send letters to the parents of these children inviting them to go to their GP for the vaccine.

The new Hepatitis B vaccine will be given as part of a 6-in-1 vaccine (previously 5-in-1) which also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, haemophilius influenzae B (Hib) and polio. No catch-up programme for hepatitis B is planned.

The new revamped schedule is available at www.immunisation.ie

Posted Tuesday 22nd July 2008