24th April 2013.

Today the IMO confirms its support of European Immunisation Week which is taking place from the 20th -27th April 2013. ‘The IMO fully supports EIW where the core message is that the immunization of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life.” said Dr Ray Walley, Chair of the IMO GP Committee.

In light of the recent outbreak of measles in Wales, Dr Wally, Chairman of the IMO GP Committee commentated “Measles is a highly contagious disease and although vaccination rates for MMR in Ireland are high, unvaccinated young children are a high risk group.”

The IMO has advocated that a new National Immunisation Information System be introduced as a matter of urgency. Dr Walley said that “the introduction of a National Immunisation Information System where a national register of all immunisations would greatly improve the implementation and monitoring of vaccination programmes in Ireland”.

In its Position Paper on Child Health the IMO has recommended

• Introducing as a matter of urgency the new National Immunisation Information System;
• All babies and children in the pre-school age group should be immunised in accordance with the agreed national Childhood Immunisation Schedule;
• A standardised School Immunisation Programme should be delivered in all areas of the country. The School Immunisation information system will have appropriate linkages with the Child/School Health information system;
• Incentives are required to increase immunisation rates in areas of socio-economic deprivation;
• Devise a national strategy for the elimination of Measles & Rubella (in line with the WHO agreed programme) as a matter of urgency and ensure that implementation plans are adequately resourced.

The IMO has highlighted that vaccination programmes are a critical element of the country’s health promotion activities and they play a key role increasing patient well-being and reducing down-field health and other costs by preventing illnesses in the population; particularly amongst at-risk groups. “European Immunisation Week encourages us all in the healthcare profession to address the challenges involved in implementing Ireland’s immunisation strategy and emphasises that the increased uptake of immunisation programmes is crucial in the prevention of serious infectious diseases.” said Dr Walley.

In its statement on immunisation, the WMA states that the process of immunisation requires an environment that is resourced with appropriate materials and health workers to ensure the safe and effective administration of vaccines and “the IMO believes that the role of the GP and community health doctors is crucial in this regard.” Dr Walley commentated.

Please click here for the IMO Policy paper on Child Health 2012

References:
IMO Position Paper on Child Health, October 2013, P.10-11
WMA Statement on the Prioritisation of Immunisation, Adopted by the 63rd WMA General Assembly, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2012