§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present average uptake of preschool immunisation against diptheria/tetanus and poliomyelitis; and what measures are being taken by his Department to increase the uptake.
§ Mr. John PattenThe percentages of children born in 1979 and immunised against diptheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis by the end of 1983 are estimated to be 85, 85 and 84 per cent. respectively. The long-standing recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that immunisation against these diseases be offered to pre-school children is well-known and is included in the revised Memorandum Against Infectious Diseases issued to health professionals in April this year.