§ Laura MoffattTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made on the distribution of meningitis C vaccination to the primary health care sector; whether enough vaccine is available; and if he will make a statement. [101188]
§ Yvette CooperDistribution of the new meningococcal C conjugate vaccine to the primary care sector commenced during the week beginning 22 November 1999 to allow immunisations to start on Monday 29 November 1999. Weekly distribution continues thereafter. Enough vaccine has been made available through this route to immunise babies in the first phase of the programme, that is, those presenting at 2, 3, and 4 months of age for their primary immunisation of Hib/DTP and those presenting for their first measles, mumps and rubella immunisation at around 13 months of age. The allocation of vaccine will automatically be increased to provide for other age ranges as the programme rolls out.