Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of over 65 year olds received flu immunisation in (a) the winter of 1997 and (b) the winter of 2000; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of over 65-year-olds received flu immunisation in (a) the winter of 1997 and (b) the winter of 2000; and if he will make a statement. [160369] Yvette Cooper: Last year, we extended the recommended groups for influenza immunisation to include everyone aged 65 and over, irrespective of their underlying health, as well as younger people in established high-risk groups. This increase has led to record numbers of vaccine being made available, nearly 11 million this year compared to 7.8 million last year-- an increase of 40 per cent. Previous policy was to vaccinate all those over 75 years of age. Data collected from the Public Health Laboratory Service give an estimate from population samples that 45.2 per cent. of 65s and over were immunised in the winter of 1997-98. Last year, for the first time, health authorities were set the target of achieving a minimum 60 per cent. uptake of immunisation among people aged 65 years and over in their areas--and also for the first time were required to provide accurate monitoring of uptake. Final data received from health authority flu co-ordinators at the end of December 2000, indicated that 65 per cent. of people aged 65 years and over received their flu immunisation.

Secondary information