§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 24 February,Official Report, 383W columns 73–74, (1) what percentage of those suffering from (a) chronic respiratory disease, (b) chronic heart disease, (c) kidney failure, (d) diabetes and (e) diseases and treatment suppressing the immune system were immunised against influenza in the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; [17925]
(2) what percentage of those in long-term residential care were vaccinated against influenza in each of the last three years for which figures are available; [17927]
(3) what percentage of (a) nursing homes and (b) residential homes had their residents immunized against influenza in each of the last years for which figures are available. [17922]
§ Mr. HoramThe information requested is not held centrally. The recommendations for influenza immunisation broadly outline the underlying diseases which put people at risk of serious illness should they develop influenza. However, it is ultimately for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned whether to offer vaccine to an individual patient. The doctor will take into account the likelihood of that patient developing a complication of influenza such as pneumonia, or of their underlying disease being aggravated, as in asthma. They will vary between patients. General practitioners are recommended to identify their patients who are likely to need influenza immunisation and order the vaccine as necessary; they are encouraged to increase the uptake of immunisation in their areas each year. Immunisation requirements for people in long-term residential care and nursing homes are determined locally.