§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated life-span of a rubella vaccination given to a girl of 11 years; and what research his Department is carrying out on the life-span of rubella vaccines currently in use in Great Britain.
§ Sir George YoungRubella vaccination was first introduced in 1970 and studies of girls vaccinated then have shown that they still maintain a good level of protection. I am advised, therefore, that there is no reason why, in the majority of cases, there should not be long-term protection, but the position is being kept under review in a number of on-going studies.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if a pregnant woman of 20 years who had received a rubella vaccination at 11 years would still be protected from contact with maternal rubella; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungNo vaccine gives 100 per cent. protection and, in a few cases, the degree of protection may wane, but I am advised that, in the vast majority of cases, a girl who was vaccinated at 11 years of age will still be immune to rubella at the age of 20.