HC Deb 11 July 1975 vol 895 cc293-4W
Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what stocks of antirabies vaccine are available in the United Kingdom: and what machinery exists for the supply and use of this vaccine at short notice in all parts of the country.

Dr. Owen

Supplies of rabies vaccine for active immunisation against rabies, and of rabies anti-serum for immediate passive protection, are available to medical practitioners from the Central Public Health Laboratory at Colindale and the regional public health laboratories at Newcastle, Cardiff and Liverpool. Stocks are held to cover the vaccination programme for people at risk—e.g., workers in quarantine kennels, etc.—and to ensure that reserves of vaccine and of antiserum are maintained at all times. Area health authorities are aware of the location of laboratories holding stocks, all of which maintain a 24-hour service.