Written question asked by Lord Jopling (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Thornton (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008.

Health: Anthrax

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 25 March (WA 821), whether they will provide the same statistics with regard to anthrax.

Answer: Anthrax vaccine is not routinely offered to the public in the United Kingdom. Vaccination against bacillus anthracis is recommended only for those at highest risk of occupational exposure; for example, those handling dead animals, e.g. tanners and vets and laboratory staff who may be handling organisms. Data on the numbers of people vaccinated are not routinely collected. The Health Protection Agency issues vaccine for the purpose of occupational protection and during the period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2007, 2,430 doses of anthrax vaccine were issued by the agency. A primary course of vaccination for pre-exposure prophylaxis normally comprises four doses of vaccine followed by an annual booster dose. There is no vaccine immunoglobulin for anthrax vaccine.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2875; 700 c239-40WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Health: Smallpox Vaccine
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Vaccination Anthrax
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk