Health minister: Routine jabs work
Monday, 21 Apr 2008 13:01
Routine vaccinations are the best way to protect children, public health minister Dawn Primarolo has said.
Her comments follow a report from the immunisation director which revealed that for the first time there were no deaths in under 19s from MenC (MeningococcalC/meningitis) last year.
The halt in meningitis deaths is attributed to the national immunisation programme.
As a result of this programme, introduced in the 1950s, there are now no cases of diphtheria or paralysis from polio.
"This report underlines the need for vaccination and proves that our programme is helping to halt diseases in their tracks," said Ms Primarolo.
"It is proof that the UK has one of the most successful immunisation programmes in the world, thanks to the hard work of NHS staff."
She added: "The childhood immunisation programme continues to be a cornerstone of public health protection in this country.
"Parents can be confident that making sure their children have their routine jabs is the best way to protect them."
