Image: Shutterstock/FamVeld Image: Shutterstock/FamVeld THE INCIDENCES OF Rotavirus disease – one of the most common viral infections in children in Ireland – has fallen by 72% since the introduction of the vaccine in 2016.
The government expanded the childhood vaccination scheme to include Meningococcal B/MenB and Rotavirus three years ago. The first doses of these vaccines are given when babies are two months of age. Harris said high confidence in vaccination programmes is crucial for maintaining high coverage rates, especially at levels that exceed those required for herd immunity.
“It is vital that parents are given accurate and evidence-based information about the benefits of vaccination as well as the possible side-effects to enable them to makeSpeaking about mandatory vaccination, he said he has asked his department to examine the global evidence and to assess whether such regulations would work here. He said he has also written to the Attorney General over the matter.