§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement about the distribution of flu vaccine for 1993–94; and what relative priorities have been given to asthmatics, children, adults and the retired.
§ Mr. SackvilleFor commercial reasons, a fifth of the expected supply of flu vaccine did not become available until 22 December 1993. Helpfully, however, additional production by licensed suppliers resulted in over 5 million392W doses being made available to the national health service prior to this date compared with 4.7 million in 1992–93. Supplies of influenza vaccine are still available.
As in previous years, the chief medical officer wrote to all general practitioners in 1993–94 giving advice about available vaccines and about people most at risk for whom immunisation is recommended, including asthmatics. Routine immunisation of children and fit and healthy older people is not recommended unless there are particular risk factors. The final decision in individual cases rests with the GP.