Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 January 1996. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will establish a public inquiry into cases of adverse effects of the administration of immunisation against measles and rubella. - Including ref to "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance", (in Library).

Answer: Mr. Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a public inquiry into cases of adverse effects of the administration of immunisation against measles and rubella. [8703] Mr. Horam: The Department has undertaken rigorous evaluation of the measles/rubella campaign, including the analysis of reports of suspected adverse reactions. This analysis concluded that measles/rubella vaccine was very safe and this conclusion was supported by two independent committees of clinical experts: the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the Department of Health, and the Committee on Safety of Medicines, which advises the Licensing Authority regarding the safety of vaccines. Details of adverse reactions have been published in "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance", a copy of which is in the Library. This publication is sent to all doctors, pharmacists, dentists and coroners who are then free to comment publicly on the data. In view of this action and the very low reporting rate of suspected adverse reactions, there is no need for a public inquiry.

Secondary information