Written question asked by Lord Jopling (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 January 2012.

Health: Anthrax Vaccine

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the financial report presented to the Health Protection Agency Board on 25 May 2011, for how long the production of anthrax vaccines has been delayed; how many doses remain in the stockpile; how many doses are currently being produced; what is the shelf-life of those vaccines; and how many doses in the stockpile have exceeded their shelf-life.

Answer: A stockpile of anthrax vaccine is maintained as part of the United Kingdom's national emergency preparedness strategy. Details about the quantity of stock held being produced and the remaining shelf-life of such items are not shared publicly owing to security considerations. The delay in the production of anthrax vaccine mentioned in the Health Protection Agency Board's 25 May 2011 report lasted from October 2009 until March 2011, when production recommenced. The shortfall in supply planned for 2010-11 is expected to be made up in the 2011-12 financial year. The shelf-life of licensed anthrax vaccine is 36 months.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14281; 734 c41WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Health: Anthrax Vaccine
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Vaccination Anthrax
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk