Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether the NHS is able to provide mercury-free whooping cough vaccine for babies in the UK.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the NHS is able to provide mercury-free whooping cough vaccine for babies in the UK. [167768] Miss Melanie Johnson: The United Kingdom uses a wholecell containing whooping cough vaccine (which contains thiomersal) because this vaccine offers the best protection against the disease. Whooping cough is a serious disease in young babies that can lead to death. The acellular whooping cough vaccine (which is thiomersal-free) does not provide the same high level of protection. The UK will move to thiomersal-free vaccines as soon as an equally effective alternative to the current vaccine becomes available.

Secondary information