Warning over drop in vaccine uptake

A NORTHSIDE senator has warned that any decline in vaccination rates affecting children is a cause of worry and effort must be made to encourage a greater uptake.

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee (FF) issued the warning after leading disease watchdog, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), confirmed that in recent years the uptake of the Meningitis C vaccine fell to 75 percent in North Dublin.

Senator Clifford-Lee, Fianna Fáil’s Seanad spokesperson on Justice, Children and Youth Affairs, said: “The World Health Organisation advises that a 95 percent uptake of the vaccine is required to prevent outbreaks of this infectious disease. 

“It’s difficult to comprehend that Ireland has never fulfilled this recommendation despite it being provided for free and as part of the very helpful schools’ immunisation programme. We must all work to dispel the dangerous myths shared by those against children receiving all of the recommended childhood vaccines including protecting against diseases such as MenC.” 

Senator Clifford-Lee said any drop in uptake is a matter of concern “for us all” given that vaccinations provided by the State against any form of meningococcal disease are absolutely essential.

“If a child has missed an opportunity to get the jab, I urge every parent or guardian to get in touch with our local HSE clinic to arrange for the child to be immunised,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Dublin Fingal TD Louise O’Reilly (SF) called on the HSE to work more closely with parents to improve vaccination rates for children in north county Dublin. 

“Worryingly, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported that that a quarter of North Dublin children are not getting meningitis C vaccine,” said Deputy O’Reilly. 

“The MenC vaccination, along with a booster vaccine, is recommended to children of 12-13 years and was introduced to schools in September 2014.

“Not vaccinating a child not only puts that child at risk, it puts us all at risk.

“That message needs to be reinforced at every possible juncture, and I would call on the HSE to work more closely with parents in north county Dublin to ensure that all advice needed is given to help improve vaccination rates for the MenC vaccine.” In a statement, the HSE said it is advising the public to be vigilant regarding meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia.

Eleven cases were notified to the HPSU in the last week of December and first week of January. This compares with five cases for the same period the previous year. In 2018 a total of 89 meningococcal cases were notified compared to 76 in 2017. Sadly three people diagnosed with meningococcal disease have died in recent weeks. The HSE confirmed that all three deaths were directly due to this infection. 

Dr Suzanne Cotter, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said although meningococcal disease incidence generally increases in the winter months, the recent increase is “cause for concern”.  

“The HSE wishes to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this disease so that immediate medical attention can be sought if someone has symptoms that could be caused by this bug,” said Dr Cotter. 

“If anyone has any concerns about meningitis they should ring their GP in the first instance. Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together and symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps, fever with cold hands and feet and a rash, but do not wait for the rash to appear. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately. 

Dr Cotter added: “Parents of children should also check that they are up-to-date regarding their childhood meningococcal vaccinations.”