(2) if the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will bring forward the date of its meeting on the human papilloma virus vaccine; and if she will make a statement;
(3) if she will ensure that she makes a decision on the introduction of the human papilloma virus vaccine as soon as possible after the relevant meeting of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation; and if she will make a statement;
(4) what discussions her Department has had with the Scottish Executive on the school-based vaccination programme for the human papilloma virus in Scotland; and if she will make a statement.
We are currently seeking expert advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the efficacy, safety and benefits that new vaccines against human papilloma virus (HPV) may offer. It is important that they thoroughly consider all the available evidence around HPV vaccines and that they only make recommendations when they are sure that all relevant information has been considered.
No decisions will be taken on introducing these vaccines into the immunisation programme until the main JCVI present their recommendations to Ministers for consideration.
Officials in my Department and the Scottish Executive have had discussions on this matter.