§ Mr. Alexander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why community nursing sisters were not allowed 620W to administer influenza vaccine to at risk elderly patients in their homes at the beginning of the current winter.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNo direction on this has been issued by my Department. In general, community nursing sisters may administer influenza vaccine to patients in their home when there is no doctor present, provided the vaccine has been medically prescribed and the nurse has been instructed and is competent in the administration of vaccine. Instruction should of course cover the circumstances in which vaccination may be undesirable. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind and he advises me of the details I would be glad to investigate the circumstances.