§ Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the estimated cost to his Department 293W for providing, on a voluntary basis, influenza vaccination free for all school children under the Schools Medical Service;
(2) if he will give consideration to an influenza vaccination programme available under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises my right hon. Friend on these matters, has again considered vaccination against influenza and has confirmed its previous advice that general vaccination could not be expected to control the spread of influenza. The vaccination of the population generally or of all school children is therefore not justified. Vaccination of children in primary, secondary and special schools in England would cost at least £4 million for vaccine; consequential additional costs might also be incurred.