§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the shortfall in the national availability of influenza vaccination; what steps his Department has taken to ensure that all medical, nursing and ancillary staff working in NHS hospitals have been offered free influenza vaccination; and if he will make a statement. [136771]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 6 November 2000]: This year, we have extended the recommended groups for influenza immunisation to include everyone aged 65 and over, irrespective of their underlying health, as well as younger people in established high risk groups. This increase has led to record numbers of vaccine being made available, nearly 11 million this year compared to 7.8 million last year, an increase of 40 per cent.
Unfortunately one of the manufacturers, Solvay, has encountered problems in growing a strain of the vaccine which has led to delays in some deliveries. Solvay have been in touch with the affected general practitioners to tell them details of any delays, but have confirmed that all ordered vaccine will be delivered by the end of November, in time to protect people this winter.
As part of the winter planning process, National Health Service employers are required to offer immunisation to all staff involved in the delivery of care and/or support to patients. Offers of immunisation by NHS employers are being closely monitored by the Department to ensure that all staff have been given the opportunity to be immunised.
Responsibility for occupational influenza immunisation rests with the employer and it should be provided through an occupational health service. It is up to individual NHS trusts to determine their own programme and fund the immunisation of their staff.