BBC News | SCOTLAND | Schools TB vaccinations suspended

Scotland Contents: Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales |

BBC News Online: UK: Scotland

Tuesday, 18 January, 2000, 21:16 GMT

Schools TB vaccinations suspended

The Scottish Executive has confirmed the suspension of the tuberculosis vaccination programme for schoolchildren.

The suspension follows a shortage of supplies from the manufacturers of the vaccination.

The vaccine is available to all Scottish schoolchildren between 10 and 14 years old.

The major supplier of the skin test to assess a child's susceptibility to TB has been affected by a shortage of one of the components of the test.

Supplies shortage

This means they have been unable to continue production.

It has resulted in a national shortage and lead to the suspension of the vaccination programme in Scotland in October.

The executive has decided to hold on to existing supplies so they can be directed towards a school if it identifies a case of TB.

There was one case at a school in Uddingston but the boy made a full recovery and tests proved no other pupils or members of staff were affected.

A spokesman said the risk to the public is low as the disease is not easily transmittable.

Incidences of TB have been on the increase over the past few years, although it only claims two or three Scottish lives each year.

Related to this story:
Doctors condemn 'scandalous' vaccine shortage (17 Sep 99 | Health)
Vaccine breakthrough for meningitis (04 May 99 | Health)
Parents reassured on vaccine (11 Jun 99 | Health)
Baby vaccine withdrawn amid health fears (14 May 99 | Health)
Children 'missing out on vaccines' (03 Jun 99 | Health)
GPs to continue meningitis vaccine fight (05 Jul 99 | Health)
Mass vaccine targets meningitis (20 Jul 99 | Health)

Internet Links: Department of Health British Medical Association Vaccination links Scottish Executive
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Scotland Contents: Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales |