HC Deb 11 January 2000 vol 342 cc143-4W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if resources allocated to the BCG vaccination programme have been transferred(a) in the short term and (b) permanently to the vaccination programme for meningitis. [103396]

Yvette Cooper

Funding for the meningococcal Group C immunisation programme has come from a separate source to that used to fund the BCG immunisation programme. We are aware that some health workers, especially school nurses, involved in delivering BCG vaccine, are currently involved in the meningococcal Group C immunisation programme in schools. Up to £9 million of new money is being made available to health authorities to support the meningococcal Group C immunisation programme, in addition to the central purchase and supply of vaccine at no cost to health authorities.

Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the level of stocks of BCG vaccine in the NHS. [103392]

Yvette Cooper

BCG vaccine has been in limited supply for a number of months due to severe manufacturing problems encountered by the sole United Kingdom licensed source, Medeva Pharma Ltd. Stocks are now being delivered. Until manufacture resumes to viable quantities, stocks are being used specifically for those at highest risk.

Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to give priority to Brentwood when stocks of BCG vaccine become available. [103399]

Yvette Cooper

While BCG vaccine is in limited supply from the manufacturer, Medeva Pharma Ltd., stocks are being used for those at highest risk. Priority of supply is made on the basis of clinical need, not geographical location. Brentwood will be treated equally with other areas according to the risk.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities do not provide BCG vaccinations as a routine procedure. [103646]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 21 December 1999]: BCG immunisation against tuberculosis at age 10–14 is nationally recommended as routine. We are aware that a small number of health authorities have not been providing routine BCG immunisation for all 10 to 14-year-olds. We do not keep records of which health authorities do not routinely immunise 10 to 14-year-olds.