§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a further statement on the stopckpiling of 1 million doses of vaccine to meet the possible outbreak of swine 'flu; and what proportion will be for public use and for those working on essential services, respectively.
§ Dr. OwenAs indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Madel) on 25th May, the reserve of 1 million doses of monovalent "swine" influenza vaccine is for persons1172W engaged in the maintenance of essential services in the event of indications of a serious epidemic. Detailed arrangements are being worked out. Additionally, some 2½ million doses of trivalent vaccine—incorporating the "swine" influenza strain —will be available under the normal arrangements for persons at special risk such as those suffering from chronic heart or lung conditions and those especially exposed to infection. The Advisory Group on Influenza has reaffirmed existing policy that vaccination is not recommended for the attempted control of the general spread of influenza and has advised that there is no indication for mass immunisation in the United Kingdom. I have accepted that advice.—[Vol. 912, cc.109–11.]