§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what impact the Hib vaccine has had on cases of Hib meningitis since its introduction. [24563]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe introduction of Hib vaccine, in October 1992, has had a dramatic impact on cases of invasive Hib disease, including meningitis. Disease340W among young children targeted by Hib immunisation has almost completely disappeared. Laboratory reports show that cases of Hib meningitis in the under-fives fell from 347 in 1991 to just 11 last year; a reduction of 97 per cent.
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's policy on advice to be given to parents by GPs about the level and type of protection given against meningitis by the Hib vaccine; and what monitoring is undertaken by her Department to ensure this advice is complied with. [24565]
§ Mr. SackvilleBefore the introduction of Hib vaccine into the childhood immunisation programme in October 1992, the Department of Health provided all health professionals with a comprehensive pack of information on the vaccine, including guidance on answering parents' questions. The pack includes information from Hib vaccine trials which showed 95 per cent. of children immunised developed effective levels of protection. It also clearly states that the vaccine gives protection against the invasive forms of Hib disease, including meningitis, but that it will not protect against other types of meningitis. Information about the type of protection Hib vaccine gives against meningitis is also contained in parents' information literature published by the Health Education Authority.
The Health Education Authority conducts a continuous tracking study of parental attitudes and knowledge of all immunisations in the childhood programme, including Hib. for the Department.