Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunisation Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

Main Page: Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour - Life peer)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunisation

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts
Tuesday 28th March 2023

(1 year, 7 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate
Asked by
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Portrait Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
- Hansard - -

To ask His Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the NHS and vaccine manufacturers regarding expanding the Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunisation programme for winter 2023/24, and the potential for making a universal offer of that vaccine.

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, the Joint Committee on Immunisation and Vaccination has advised that the existing targeted RSV immunisation offer should move to a more effective and longer-lasting monoclonal antibody. The Government are in conversation with the manufacturer and the NHS to support this change in time for the 2023-24 winter season. The JCVI is actively reviewing the evidence around other available products and the potential for universal RSV offers as soon as practicable.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Portrait Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer. He will be aware that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recently recognised the importance of a universal immunisation programme to help protect all infants from RSV. There is an issue around the budget, so will the Minister clarify for your Lordships’ House what discussions he and his colleagues have had with the Chancellor about the budget for a universal RSV immunisation programme for the 2023-24 winter programme?

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, I have not discussed the universal RSV immunisation programme for 2023-24 with the Chancellor. However, the independent expert committee, the JCVI, provides the Government with advice on all immunisation programmes, including RSV. For the current year, this advice is to improve the existing targeted programme for children at high risk. Once the JCVI has concluded its robust review of evidence for an expanded or universal programme, I will support the implementation of any changes advised as soon as practicable. This would include talking to the Chancellor to seek budgetary support for a potential programme. I offer the noble Baroness a meeting with the relevant officials following this Question to discuss this important matter further, if that would be helpful.