§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the level of stocks of pertussis vaccine available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsDemand for pertussis vaccine has for several months been running at five times the normal level. I believe this is because the recent increases in whooping cough cases has led to requests for vaccination of children with the single pertussis vaccine whose parents had previously decided against vaccination with the triple vaccine at the normal time. The manufacturers have, however, met all demands received up to 25th January, and they will continue to accept orders816W against further supplies, which they expect to become available in March. Meantime, the very large numbers of doses recently issued should enable authorities to continue vaccination. The quantities of vaccine under production will be sufficient to meet the estimated demand for several months ahead at the current rate. My Department is keeping watch on the situation. There is no shortage of the triple vaccine against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus.