§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement as to the content of the leaflet on child immunisation ; if he is satisfied that a fair balance has been achieved between emphasis on the advantages of having children so protected and on the possibilities of adverse physical and mental damage following such procedures ; and what protection is given to the medical adviser whom the parents consult in the event of untoward reactions occurring.
§ Dr. VaughanIn the light of our current knowledge I am satisfied that the leaflets issued by the Department and by the Health Education Council provide suitable advice on possible risks of adverse reactions to vaccinations and present a fair balance of risk against benefit from vaccinations.
336WThe Department has issued guidance to doctors and nurses emphasising the importance of excluding contraindications to vaccination, thereby reducing the possibility of adverse reactions.
Doctors in general practice protect themselves against liability for negligence by joining one of the medical defence societies. Employing authorities are generally vicariously liable for negligence of their staff in the course of their employment, but doctors employed by health authorities are required by their terms of service to belong also to one of the medical defence societies.