Varadkar urged to introduce MenB vaccines for schoolchildren

The Health Minister is being urged to introduce MenB vaccinations for primary school children.

The Meningitis Research Foundation said Leo Varadkar should introduce the recently licensed MenB vaccine into the immunisation schedule for children.

The foundation is highlighting that Ireland has the highest incidence of MenB in Europe as part of World Meningitis Day.

Jill Currie from the Meningitis Research Foundation said children and teenagers were the most vulnerable to the disease.

"Vaccination is the best way to help prevent as many deaths and disabilities as possible," she said.

"(The MenB vaccination) is available, and has been proven to be safe and effective. It just needs to be entered into the (vaccination) schedule so that every child can get it."