§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many school children(a) nationally and (b) in Dorset have received BCG vaccinations during the 2000–01 academic year; and if he will make a statement. [147035]
§ Yvette CooperInformation about BCG vaccinations is contained in the Statistical Bulletin "NHS Immunisation Statistics, England: 1999–2000". A copy of the bulletin is in the Library and can also be found on the Department of Health website www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0026.htm.
BCG vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure to tuberculosis (infants from certain ethnic groups at increased risk, those at occupational risk, and new immigrants from, and those travelling to, high risk areas for tuberculosis) and for previously unimmunised schoolchildren at the age of 10–14 years.
In September 1999, the schools part of this programme was suspended following interruption of supply of vaccine due to problems in the manufacture of the only product licensed for use in the United Kingdom. Vaccine has 151W remained available for all high risk groups throughout this time, and in July 2000 the schools programme in London was reinstated.
Restoration of the remaining part of the schools programme will be announced in due course when supplies of vaccine allow.
§ Mrs. Fiona JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to offer parents the choice of having their children vaccinated with individual inoculations for mumps, measles and rubella. [147451]
§ Yvette CooperI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Sarwar), on 22 January 2001,Official Report, column 430W.