asked the Minister for Health the reason it was decided to use private doctors for the measles vaccination programme rather than doctors at health board clinics; if it is intended to privatise any of the other vaccination programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Measles Vaccination Programme.
23.
It was decided to use general medical practitioners in the free measles immunisation campaign launched last month in the expectation that this would ensure maximum coverage. Because of their direct contact with families, these doctors should be in an advantageous position to know the children who required the immunisation and to persuade parents to bring them forward for it. Health boards have also been instructed to provide public immunisation clinics as necessary.
The future arrangements for provision of measles immunisation will be reviewed in the light of the results of the initial campaign. There has been no decision about involvement of general practitioners in other immunisation schemes.
Question No. 24 re-entered for oral reply.