§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to ensure that at-risk groups of people aged under 65 are receiving influenza vaccinations this winter, with particular reference to children over six months in at-risk groups. [142957]
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§ Miss Melanie JohnsonWe launched a campaign on 1 October incorporating a number of strategies aimed at encouraging younger people in at-risk groups to receive their flu immunisation. The campaign incorporated
National television advertising.Advertising in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including ethnic media.Advertising in buses, on pharmacy bags and on-line.Work with commercial partners such as Gala Bingo and voluntary organisations, such as Heart UK and the National Asthma Campaign.The Chief Medical Officer wrote to all general practitioners with details of this year's influenza programme in his letter of 6 August 2003.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children are in the at-risk group for influenza; and how many of these have received an influenza vaccination this year. [142958]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe number of children registered as at-risk is not held centrally. This year, for the first time, general practitioners have been asked to set up disease registers for all at-risk patients in order to maximise uptake in these most vulnerable patients.
Vaccine uptake for at-risk patients is not available.