Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are providing for (1) vaccine research, and (2) the development of cheaper versions of existing vaccines.

The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the development of cheaper vaccines. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.

The NIHR and the Medical Research Council both have a wide portfolio of research activity in vaccines which cover clinical trials for new vaccines, new technologies, ways of improving uptake and cost effectiveness.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is an expert advisory group which advises United Kingdom health departments on immunisation. When recommending vaccines, they are required to show that cost-effectiveness criteria are met. This helps to keep vaccine prices down.