Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the minute of meeting held on 1 February 2023 by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), for what reason a budget has not been allocated for a national respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation programme for the prevention of RSV related lower respiratory tract infections in infants for 2023-24.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are actively considering the potential for an expanded or universal respiratory syncytial virus programme. Once the JCVI have concluded their robust review of evidence, the Department will support the implementation of any advice with NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency as soon as is practicable, including, if necessary, engaging with HM Treasury to seek budgetary support for a potential programme.