Written question asked by Lord Jopling (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Thornton (Labour) on Thursday, 14 January 2010.

Health: Vaccinations

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to vaccinate for smallpox and anthrax (a) members of the emergency services who will be involved in the London 2012 Olympic Games, and (b) others likely to be involved in transportation, stewarding and activities within the Olympic village during the games; and whether such treatment will be voluntary.

Answer: The current risk assessment for the 2012 Olympic Games does not indicate any need to change the current national preparedness arrangements in relation to smallpox or anthrax. There are, therefore, no plans to introduce vaccination against anthrax for any of those involved in the Games nor to increase the numbers of people in the current cohort of healthcare worker who are vaccinated against smallpox. This risk assessment, as with all other assessments, will be kept under review in the context of the Games, as will our systems for the detection of, and response to, infectious diseases in the United Kingdom and any new challenges they may present.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 716 c181WA; 1095
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Emergency services Vaccination Smallpox Anthrax Olympic Games 2012
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk