Written question asked by Lord Jopling (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 January 2012.

Health: Anthrax Vaccine

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 10 January (HL14279) stating that anthrax is not typically transmissible person to person, why emergency workers are not routinely vaccinated against anthrax in view of the possibility of respiratory anthrax attacks by terrorists using methods such as mail packages or aerosol dispersal systems.

Answer: Anthrax infection is rare in the United Kingdom and is not normally transmissible from person to person. Anthrax vaccine is only offered to those whose occupation puts them at a real risk of exposure to anthrax spores, such as those handling potentially contaminated animal products in the leather and wool industries, those working in locations abroad where exposure is highly likely—such as military personnel—and certain veterinarians. For all other occupations and the general public the current risk assessment of a potential deliberate release of anthrax spores through contaminated mail or aerosol dispersal systems does not warrant routine pre-exposure vaccination. Bioterrorism threats and associated risks of a deliberate release of anthrax are kept under constant review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14628; 734 c123WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Health: Anthrax Vaccine
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Health: Anthrax Vaccine
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Emergency services Vaccination Anthrax
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk