HC Deb 27 January 1969 vol 776 cc210-1W
65. Sir W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to have Mao influenza vaccine supplied for sick cases in Brighton, especially in the particular case sent to him by the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion; and why priority over such cases has been given to foreign sportsmen.

Mr. Ennals

Substantial quantities of Hong Kong influenza vaccine have been sent to chemists in Brighton. Distributors are co-operating, at my request, in a scheme to provide vaccine first for certain groups at risk; I have no information as to the source of the single dose referred to.

78. Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has considered the representations from the Stockport Executive Council on the provision of Hong Kong 'flu vaccine for the special risk chronically ill patients of local general practitioners; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Ennals

Yes. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Department's reply.

Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that adequate supplies of Hong Kong influenza vaccine are reaching those categories of people for whom it is most necessary, particularly doctors and nurses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

Supply is not at present meeting demand for all those at special risk, though the requirements of hospitals and local health authorities have largely been met. A total of 1,070,000 doses have now been supplied and increasing quantities are now becoming available to chemists throughout the country to meet doctors' prescriptions.

83. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that major London hospitals have no Mao vaccine even for seriously ill patients, and that a company, the name of which has been sent to him, have ceased manufacture of the vaccine owing to its inadequacy; and if he will make a statement on how individuals in the priority classes can obtain the vaccine on a doctor's prescription both in the North and South of the British Isles.

Mr. Ennals

I have not received evidence that major London hospitals are now short of Hong Kong influenza vaccine for those for whom it is precribed. The company referred to has met manufacturing difficulties and at present is no longer in production. There has been no problem over the quality of the Burroughs Welcome vaccine, which the firm is continuing to supply. Increasing quantities of vaccine are now becoming available to chemists throughout the country to meet doctors' prescriptions.