Measles-Rubella Immunisation

HC Deb 20 December 1994 vol 251 c1156W

Mr. Coe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the measles-rubella immunisation campaign.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Nearly 7 million school children between the ages of five and 16 were offered immunisation against disease. Early indications are that around 90 per cent, uptake was reached in the first phase of the campaign in many areas, with some as high as 95 per cent.

It is now clear from reports which we have received from district health authorities that high levels of coverage have been achieved. Some authorities have reached 95 per cent. We also have early indications that the rise in measles notifications has been halted. This is a superb effort in the face of the forecast measles epidemic.

I congratulate all those involved in the campaign-school immunisation teams, school staff, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health authority administrative staff. I would also like to congratulate Rotary International on its practical help with the campaign.