Chamber
Plenary, 06 Feb 2003
06 Feb 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Vaccines (Thimerosal)
I reassure the member that Infanrix was already licensed for use at two, three and four months when the JCVI issued its advice in 2000. It was licensed in 1999 first as a booster and then for use at two to four months.
I reiterate that cost was not and is not a consideration in the determination of vaccine policy. If, after discussion with their GPs and other medical professionals, parents decide that it is right and appropriate for them to use alternatives to DTwP, those are available to individuals and their families.
I reiterate that cost was not and is not a consideration in the determination of vaccine policy. If, after discussion with their GPs and other medical professionals, parents decide that it is right and appropriate for them to use alternatives to DTwP, those are available to individuals and their families.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr Murray Tosh):
Con
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S1M-3765, in the name of Nicola Sturgeon, on the removal from vaccines of thimerosal—no do...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes with concern that thirteen vaccines currently available in the United Kingdom, including four that are administered to children, co...
Nicola Sturgeon (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
There are indeed two pronunciations of the word, Presiding Officer. I will stick to "thimerosal", with the stress on the second syllable.I am grateful for th...
Mr Lloyd Quinan (West of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I associate myself with Nicola Sturgeon's remarks and support entirely what she has said. The accumulation of mercury and heavy metals in our children—both f...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I thank Nicola Sturgeon for securing the debate and Fraser Nelson of The Scotsman for his thorough investigation of the issue, which has raised awareness and...
Mr Kenneth Gibson (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Nicola Sturgeon on securing this debate, which is important for many of us with young children, and also for those who, like Jamie McGrigor, h...
The Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care (Mr Frank McAveety):
Lab
On pronunciation, I shall take a different view just for the sheer devilment of it. I say thiomersal, and other members say thimerosal.In this evening's deba...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
Can the minister confirm whether a mercury-free vaccine is available in Scotland? I previously mentioned Infanrix, which is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.
Mr McAveety:
Lab
I reassure the member that Infanrix was already licensed for use at two, three and four months when the JCVI issued its advice in 2000. It was licensed in 19...
Nicola Sturgeon:
SNP
This is an important question. Does the minister believe that GPs should pro-actively advise parents when they take their children for vaccination that a mer...
Mr McAveety:
Lab
We ask GPs and health professionals to identify the best course of action in discussion with patients and their families. It is not right and proper for me, ...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
I want to be absolutely clear on this point. In terms of efficacy, is Infanrix an equal substitute to the vaccine that contains mercury? Is it available to a...
Mr McAveety:
Lab
Infanrix has fewer side effects than DTwP. However, data on severity indicates that DTwP protects against whooping cough—that benefit outweighs the risk. The...
Nicola Sturgeon:
SNP
The minister has slightly misrepresented some of the coverage. No one is suggesting that Infanrix has been held back solely on the ground of cost. More paren...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
In a written answer dated 24 January, which I quoted earlier, Malcolm Chisholm stated:"It is anticipated that thiomersal-free vaccines will be considered for...
Mr McAveety:
Lab
I do not think that I contradicted the Minister for Health and Community Care—perhaps the Official Report will prove me right. I said that we need to have in...
Meeting closed at 17:41.