§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action the Government are proposing to take to promote the uptake of immunisation against rubella; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeRubella is a disease with tragic consequences when pre-natal infection handicaps an unborn baby. An effective vaccine has been available since 1970. We recommend immunisation for all schoolgirls between the ages of 10 and 14 and for all women of child-bearing age who are not already immune. In 1981, 84 per cent. of schoolgirls had been immunised by their fourteenth birthday, but this is still not enough. Unfortunately, upsurges in the incidence of the disease still take place from time to time and the number of cases this year has risen significantly. I want to increase immunisation among schoolgirls and adult women of child-bearing age by means of a publicity campaign.
Discussions are already at an advanced stage with a number of voluntary organisations and the Health Education Council for a sustained campaign starting in the early autumn. The objective is to get a high level of immunity to the disease, as a major step towards elimination of the congenital rubella syndrome. The campaign will be based on a package of measures, and we shall be funding a co-ordinator to make sure that the package hangs together sensibly. The campaign will be geared not just to a "crash" programme but to a sustained effort over a longer period. The campaign is estimated to cost £300,000 in 1983–84 and a further £1.5 million in the three following years. Detailed preparation will take place 100W in the coming months and, as part of that preparation, the Department has already asked general practitioners and health authorities to take action to secure increased uptake of immunisation among schoolgirls, and to protect women of child-bearing age who are not already immune.
The following voluntary organisations are involved in preparations for the proposed campaign:
- Action Research for the Crippled Child
- The British Heart Foundation
- Iris Fund for the Prevention of Blindness
- The National Association for Deaf, Blind and Rubella Handicapped
- The National Deaf, Blind Helpers' League
- The National Deaf Children's Society
- The Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind
- The Royal National Institute for the Blind
- The Royal National Institute for the Deaf
- The Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults
- The Spastics Society