300 children may need new jabs

[Posted: Wed 29/08/2012 by Niall Hunter, Editor www.irishhealth.com]

It has now emerged that up to 300 children may need to be revaccinated as a result of a GP in west Dublin wrongly administered childhood vaccines.

Meanwhile, it is now likely that the HSE will refer the matter on to the Medical Council.

The HSE said the GP in question incorrectly prepared and administered some childhood vaccinations, which therefore may not have provided full immunity to the children concerned.

Some of the incorrect vaccinations date back to the mid-1990s, it is believed. The vaccines concerned protect against diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough, tetanus and measles.

A special clinic has been set up to provide new vaccinations for the children, some of whom would now be in their teens.

Asked if the case was being referred to the Medical Council, the HSE told irishhealth.com:"the appropriate referrals have been made."

The HSE has not provided details on how exactly the vaccines were wrongly administered, other than stating that they may not have been prepared or administered in line with manufacturers' guidelines.

Asked if it was going to take steps nationally to ensure that vaccines are being administered properly by GPs or practice staff, the HSE said all GPs have received a letter about this matter and regular updates are provided on vaccine changes and related administration of vaccines.

Asked if a copy of the report prepared on the west Dublin vaccinations case by the National Immunisations Advisory Committee would be published, the HSE said the matter was under review and information was continually being compiled at present.

Meanwhile, the HSE has yet to publish any information or guidance on the west Dublin vaccination case on its website.

Find out here about irishhealth.com's unique childhood immunisation tracker