Children are given repeat vaccine dose

THE HSE says it has contacted 221 families after it emerged that childhood vaccinations given by a GP practice in the Dublin area may have been ineffective because of how they were administered.

The precise number of children and their ages has not been confirmed but the HSE has set up a freefone information number for parents who may be concerned.

The HSE has written to the families concerned in recent days to tell them their children should be revaccinated to ensure they are properly protected.

While the HSE said, ‘There are no known safety issues with the vaccines received previously by the children,’ it did acknowledge that, ‘as the vaccine may not have been effective these children may not be appropriately protected from these diseases’.

The HSE consulted the National Immunisation Advisory Committee which advised that the children should be offered an age-appropriate revaccination schedule.

Only families who receive a letter about the issue are affected, a spokeswoman confirmed last night.

The issue came to light after a query from a parent and a subsequent investigation revealed that ‘a number of the vaccines may not have been prepared and administered in the correct way’.

The HSE did not comment on whether the GP practice in question is continuing to provide vaccine or whether those affected would be compensated.

GPs with immunisation contracts provide vaccines for all babies to pro- tect against Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib), Hepatitis B, Measles Meningococcal C disease, Mumps, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Pneumococcal disease, Polio, Rubella (German measles) and Tetanus.

It follows the roll- out of a national measles vaccination campaign in June after a near-fatal outbreak in Cork. It is due to be introduced next month and will be aimed at secondary schools first, and then primary schools.