§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization has reviewed policy on whooping cough vaccine; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe joint committee has reviewed policy on whooping cough vaccine and remains of the opinion that on present evidence vaccination against whooping cough is still a valuable routine procedure.
The committee stresses, however, that the vaccine should not be given to children with contra-indications, including a person or family history of certain known illnesses and disorders; and it has recommended the use of "adsorbed" vaccine which gives rise to fewer reactions than plain vaccine. It has also recommended the use of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine instead of the normal 510W triple injection where there are medical contra-indications or parental objections to the whooping cough component.
The Department's Chief Medical Officer is circulating these recommendations in a letter to all medical practitioners in the National Health Service.