§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if disclosure of allergies was required of British service personnel prior to their being offered chemical and biological warfare vaccines during the Gulf war; if severe asthma or hay fever was regarded as a contra-indication for vaccination; and what changes to guidelines to medical personnel about the administration of counter-CBW vaccines or preparations have been made since 1991.
§ Mr. SoamesThe armed forces medical services, in line with Department of Health guidelines, regard a history of anaphylaxis as the only absolute contra-indication to vaccination. A previous severe reaction to the same vaccine may also be a contra-indication to be considered on its merits. The Department of Health guide on immunisation against infectious disease states that asthma, hay fever or a history of non-anaphylactic allergy are not contra-indications for 417W vaccination and consequently disclosure of allergies was not required prior to vaccination during the Gulf war.
However, during the medical selection process for entry into the Armed Forces all candidates are required to disclose, by direct questioning, all aspects of their medical history. Among other things, candidates are required to disclose whether they suffer from "asthma or wheezing", "hay fever or allergies" and "any severe reaction to drugs or injections". A severe reaction to drugs or injections may indicate an anaphylactic episode, which is very rare, but is generally an absolute bar to employment in the armed services. Similarly, known asthmatics would not normally be accepted for service, and if already serving would be in a reduced medical category which would in general preclude operational service.
Apart from routine updating to take account of new vaccines, no changes to guidelines for medical personnel regarding vaccine or drug administration have been made since 1991.