UK INFLUENZA VACCINATION POLICY

Early day motion 1765, tabled 19 October 2004 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 59 members.

That this House supports the UK influenza vaccination policy as the most effective means of preventing the annual burden of morbidity and mortality from influenza infection; notes that influenza is a disease in the UK that causes up to 4,000 deaths during winter where the incidence of it is low and up to 29,000 deaths in an epidemic year; recognises the need for preparedness for an influenza pandemic, which experts believe is inevitable; notes the concerns of manufacturers that capacity is insufficient to meet the UK vaccine demands in a pandemic year; calls upon the Government to extend the UK influenza vaccination policy which would reduce the annual burden of influenza-related infection, alleviate winter pressures on the NHS and help ensure adequate manufacturing capacity to meet requirements in the event of a pandemic; and recommends reviewing policy to lower the age of eligibility of influenza vaccination to people aged 50 years and over and children under the age of two years.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 5, DUP 2, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.