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Rubella Vaccination

Volume 31: debated on Tuesday 9 November 1982

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with the take-up of facilities for rubella vaccination: if he has any plans to improve take-up; and if he will make a statement;(2) if, in view of the fact that proof of rubella vaccination is now a condition of admission to school for children in the United States of America, he has had any consultations about introducing a similar procedure in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

In 1981 84 per cent. of schoolgirls in England were vaccinated against rubella by their fourteenth birthday, an increase of 10 per cent. on the level achieved three years previously. On the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises me on all matters relating to vaccination, we will continue to encourage the uptake of rubella vaccination. I have no plans to introduce compulsory vaccination.