§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his policy is in respect of the granting of licences for the distribution of single measles and mumps vaccines; [120235]
(2) if he will take measures to ensure the wider availability of single measles and mumps vaccines; [120236]
(3) what powers he has to prevent clinics providing single measles and mumps vaccinations; and if he will make a statement. [120239]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe current United Kingdom policy is not to offer single measles and mumps vaccines, because this exposes children to a greater risk of disease due to the longer course of vaccination required. Single vaccines leave children at risk of diseases that have serious complications for no benefit and the Government do not endorse this. There is very considerable evidence for the safety of MMR vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated
WHO strongly supports the use of MMR vaccine on the grounds of its convincing record of safety and efficacy. The combination vaccine i) recommended rather that the monovalent presentation (single vaccines) when available and the disease burden justifies its use".The Secretary of State does not have direct powers to prevent clinics providing single mumps and measles vaccines, provided that the regulations for supply of medicinal products are complied with. Independent healthcare establishments, such as private clinics, are regulated by the National Care Standards Commission. Their concern would be compliance with the relevant Regulations and National Minimum Standards. They have no powers to prevent a clinic providing single measles and mumps vaccinations as such.