SEASONAL INFLUENZA

That this House is concerned about the terrible impact of seasonal influenza each year on the health of the UK population; recognises the huge burden of influenza on NHS resources; notes that between 3,000 and 4,000 people die each year from influenza-related illnesses; congratulates the Department of Health on the success of its seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, particularly for those people aged 65 years and over, where vaccination coverage rates have reached over 73 per cent.; supports the Department in its decision to focus this year's campaign on those at risk under 65 years old; and calls for the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to review the case for reducing the age for influenza vaccination to 50 years and above, and to introduce influenza vaccinations for all children between six months and two years of age to increase the overall uptake rates and to meet the World Health Organisation's target for population coverage.