§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the offer of vaccination against rubella is only made in respect of girls of 13 years of age; when he expects to extend this service; if any National Health Service patient may opt to have this vaccination with the concurrence of her general practitioner; what is his estimate of the cost involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonPresent policy is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that vaccination against rubella should be offered to girls between their 11th and 14th birthdays with initial priority for girls in their 14th year. The aim is to develop protection in as many girls as possible before they reach child-bearing age. Vaccination for any woman of child-bearing age is available through her general practitioner at his discretion. The estimated cost of vaccinating girls in their 14th year in England is about £0.25 million up to 31st March, 1971, and about £0.3 million per annum thereafter.