FG demands action on meningitis and pneumonia vaccines

13/09/2005 - 14:18:15
Fine Gael has demanded immediate government action to prevent possible outbreaks of meningitis and pneumonia among Irish children.

Party spokesman Liam Twomey said research had found that 200,000 Irish children were at risk of contracting the potentially fatal illnesses.

He said the vaccines given to infants are only effective for two years and the Government should immediately ensure that all children are now given booster injections.

"We're running the risk of having children dying," he said.