Birmingham MP calls for TB vaccinations in city

Dec 9 2010 by Jonathan Walker, Birmingham Post

An MP has joined calls for routine vaccinations against tuberculosis in parts of Birmingham.

Gisela Stuart (Lab Edgbaston) raised concerns about the spread of the disease in the city, as she questioned Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in the House of Commons.

Mr Lansley said an outreach service in London, which identifies people infected with TB and offers treatment, could be extended to other cities, but he did not promise vaccinations.

It follows a report presented to Birmingham City Council by Dr Jim McManus, the city’s public health director, who warned more vaccinations were needed.

TB cases across Birmingham and Solihull have increased in the past 10 years by 107 per cent, compared to 57 per cent nationally.