HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 c66W
Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a further statement about the use of oral poliomyelitis vaccine.

Mr. Powell

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have now received the following recommendations from the Joint Committee on Poliomyelitis Vaccine:

  1. 1. Sabin vaccine may be used both safely and effectively for primary vaccinations.
  2. 2. Pending further study, Sabin vaccine should not be used to complete a course of vaccination started with Salk vaccine.
  3. 3. So long as Salk vaccine is available, it should also be provided for primary vaccinations if the doctor prefers it.

The Government accept these recommendations, and Sabin vaccine will be made available to local health authorities and doctors for routine vaccination as soon as the necessary arrangements have been made with the local authorities and the medical profession.

Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Health how many of the persons developing poliomyelitis in Hull had undergone a full course of immunization before getting the disease.

Mr. Powell

I will write to my hon. Friend.

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