§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the estimated cost of treating hepatitis B in the NHS in the last year for which figures are available; and what is the estimated cost of universal hepatitis B immunisation per annum. [10679]
§ Mr. HoramInformation on the cost to the national health service of treating hepatitis B is not collected centrally. At manufacturers' current listed prices, the cost of hepatitis B vaccine for those born in any one year would be approximately £20 million. In addition, there would be vaccine administration costs which could vary depending upon the immunisation programme chosen.