Influenza (Hansard, 27 January 2000)

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with health managers in(a) Australia and (b) Sweden concerning the effect of Relenza on the incidence of influenza this winter. [104899]

§ Yvette Cooper
None. Relenza is currently licensed only for the treatment of influenza, not its prevention.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued clear advice last year on the use of Relenza. This advice is for this year (1999–2000) only and NICE will review the available evidence, wherever it comes from, in a full appraisal this year, in time to offer guidance to the NHS for the 2000–01 flu season. All available evidence will be carefully considered as part of this appraisal.

§ Mr. Jenkin
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what supplies of influenza vaccine are held within the North Essex Health Authority by the authority itself, its trusts and by its GPs; and if he will estimate the number of patients this will treat. [105281]

§ Yvette Cooper
The information requested is not available centrally.
334W

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with health authorities concerning the availability of influenza vaccine and the promotion of its use. [104911]

§ Yvette Cooper
[holding answer 17 January 2000]: The aim of the influenza immunisation policy is to protect those at greatest risk of severe or complicated illness before flu viruses begin to circulate in the community. Ideally people who are in the risk groups recommended for vaccine should have been immunised by now. Flu immunisation delivery is through general practice and general practitioners who order the vaccine direct from the manufacturers. Flu immunisation was well-publicised last autumn and local and national campaigns were run to try and improve vaccination rates. The Chief Medical Officer held a press conference and wrote to GPs about flu immunisation. Circulars on winter planning stressed to health authorities the importance of promoting flu immunisation as part of this planning and as part of the winter 1999–2000 campaign the National Health Service Executive sent all health authorities an information pack to encourage local activity.
7.7 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this season. This is the highest ever and manufacturers have advised that they have over half a million doses available.