§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is his Department's official policy regarding the provision of travel vaccines on the NHS; and if he is reviewing it; [9816]
(2) what plans he has to make a statement about travel vaccines on the NHS. [9817]
§ Mr. HoramThe position of successive Governments has been that immunisations against some infectious diseases are provided free for travellers as a matter of public health policy. This is the case for diseases where immunisation benefits not only the recipient but also the community at large by helping to prevent the spread of disease in the United Kingdom. Not all diseases covered by travel vaccines present a similar public health risk. Advice about possible risks, and measures which can be taken to avoid illness abroad, including travel vaccines, continues to be available free from general practitioners.
The Department of Health is currently considering the existing arrangements for travel vaccines in order to resolve the inconsistencies and ambiguities which have arisen over the years.