§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of(a) the cost to the NHS of providing a nationwide meningitis vaccination programme and (b) the total number of people for whom such a programme would be clinically appropriate; and if he will make a statement. [116681]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 3 April 2000]: Meningococcal infection can affect anyone of any age. However, the greatest number of cases and deaths occur in the under 18s and hence the prioritisation within this age band. By the end of the year the new meningococcal Group C conjugate vaccine will have been offered to all under 18s. The cost of the programme will include vaccine purchase, distribution and local implementation through schools and primary care. We will not know the full costs until the programme is completed later in the year.