§ 33. Dr. MoonieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the uptake of childhood immunisations against infectious diseases.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI announced on 26 April an accelerated schedule for childhood immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and poliomyelitis. The new schedule, which will be introduced on 1 October 1990, provides for the course of immunisation against these diseases to be carried out between two months and six months of age as compared with three months and 11 months at present. The shortened programme, to which appropriate publicity will be given, is expected to lead to higher uptake levels.