HC Deb 04 July 1960 vol 626 cc21-3
30. Mr. Holland

asked the Minister of Health what response there has been to his announcement that poliomyelitis vaccine is now available to all persons between the ages of 26 and 40 years.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

The answer is that 242,905 people in this category in Great Britain had applied for vaccination by 31st March, but this figure relates only to the first two months of the extended scheme. A better indication should be given in the figures for 30th June which will be available before the end of this month.

Mr. Holland

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, from which it would appear that a small percentage of the total is in that age group, may I ask him whether he will take the opportunity when the next figures are available to emphasise the fact that expectant mothers particularly are vulnerable to poliomyelitis and that they should take the earliest opportunity of obtaining the protection which the vaccination will afford them?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I will certainly be glad to do that. On a number of occasions we have exhorted expectant mothers to take advantage of the offer of vaccination. I will do this again in response to my hon. Friend's invitation and so reiterate it now.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's very disappointing reply, will he recall my suggestion when he made his first announcement that facilities in the clinics should be made available to workers during lunch hours. Having regard to the fact that each person wants three injections, unless these facilities are made available it is difficult for people to go to their doctors at night. Some of them are reluctant to do so for all kinds of reasons. I hope that the Minister will be more positive in his attitude towards this most important matter.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I have not lost sight of the right hon. Lady's suggestion, but it is too early to say that these figures are disappointing. These figures were only up to 31st March. Some local health authorities had not got their arrangements going by then. We shall have better figures presently, although I do not think that the right hon. Lady should expect in this age group figures of the sort which we have achieved with regard to younger people.

31. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of young people in Wales under the age of 26 years has been vaccinated against poliomyelitis; and how many have received three injections.

Mr. Walker-Smith

At 31st March. 68.4 per cent. of those in Wales who were over six months of age and had been born in or after 1933 had been vaccinated. Of the total of 516,183 who at that date had received three injections all but a few would have been of that age group.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether my impression that there is a slowing down in this vaccination is right? Can he do something to stir up more propaganda so that immunity is complete?

Mr. Walker-Smith

There is not a slowing down except in so far as we have this fairly high percentage of people already vaccinated. In fact, the percentage for Wales is rather higher than the percentage for Great Britain as a whole.