HC Deb 05 June 1981 vol 5 cc438-9W
Dr Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there is any relationship between the pertussis content of multiple vaccine and the incidence of adverse reaction to such vaccine; and, if so, whether he will expand the advice in his Department's circular CMO (77)7 to the effect that whooping cough vaccine is contraindicated by any severe local or general reaction to a preceding dose.

Dr Vaughan

The reports on whooping cough published last month suggest that pertussis vaccine can lead to neurological damage in only a small number of cases. The contra-indications to the vaccine are at present under review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.