TB jab not given due to funding shortfall

NEWBORN babies in Cork are not being automatically vaccinated against TB — even though BCG vaccination jabs are on the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) recommended childhood vaccine schedule.

The disclosure came amid concerns over a rise in TB figures. In every other county, newborn babies receive the anti-TB jab at maternity hospitals or within three months of birth.

For the past few years, the HSE (Southern Area) and its predecessor, the Southern Health Board, applied to the central HSE office and the Department of Health for approximately €1 million in funding to extend the service to Cork. The money was not forthcoming.

The neonatal jab is given to babies born in Kerry — despite the fact the same health authority also controls Cork.

A Naas-based HSE official yesterday described the Cork situation as an “anomaly with historic reasons” and said that the current funding application was being considered.

According to the HSE’s National Immunisation Office website, the BCG vaccination should be given at birth, normally at maternity hospitals. In Cork, the vaccination is given only on request.

A HSE southern area spokeswoman said yesterday: “Those with a family risk are automatically given the jab, as are at-risk healthcare workers, people who have lived in India or Africa or any other countries with a high prevalence and children who have been in contact with active TB cases.”

The spokeswoman said BCG was not administered in the US or Sweden either.

“The control of TB relies, not on vaccination, but on the early diagnosis of cases of TB, prompt contact tracing and adherence to prescribed antibiotic treatment. There is a very strong focus on such control measures in this region,” the spokeswoman added.

However, Labour party Deputy Kathleen Lynch warned there was an international upsurge in antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis.

“It is incredible this happens when every other county automatically gives the jab. It shouldn’t only be given to children of well-informed parents.”

TB facts

*Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. TB usually affects the lungs but it can also hit glands, bones and, rarely, the brain.

*TB was rampant in 1950s Ireland. In recent years, the numbers have begun to rise again.

*Symptoms include fever, night sweats, cough, weight loss and blood in phlegm.

*TB is usually spread in the air by coughing, sneezing or spitting.

*Latest figures show a total of 7,167 cases reported in 2004, compared with 6,837 in 2003.