HC Deb 05 March 2003 vol 400 c1042W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether multiple vaccinations are being administered to troops deploying to the Gulf. [95923]

Dr. Moonie

All Service personnel are routinely offered a range of vaccinations to protect against disease. These include public health vaccinations and vaccinations for those in special occupational risk groups. Vaccinations are also offered to Service personnel deploying to areas with specific health hazards and to protect personnel against the effects of biological weapons.

In accordance with NHS guidelines, a number of public health vaccinations may be administered at the same time, some in combination. This is not unusual. However, by offering public health vaccinations to Service personnel on recruitment, with boosters at appropriate intervals thereafter, the need to administer several vaccinations or boosters immediately before a deployment can be avoided. Nevertheless, boosters or additional vaccinations may be unavoidable at the time of a deployment or in an emergency. This is the case for anyone travelling overseas at short notice. In such circumstances, full account is taken of any other treatment or medication that an individual might be receiving at the time. This is balanced against the risk of contracting the disease during deployment.

Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to record the vaccine schedules applied to troops deploying to the Gulf. [95927]

Dr. Moonie

It is Ministry of Defence policy that all vaccinations given to Service personnel are recorded in their personal medical records. In addition, staff in medical centres are required to record details of current vaccinations on the Operational Medical Record, Form F Med 965, before issuing it to individuals about to deploy. Any medical events, including vaccinations, occurring while deployed are to be recorded on the F Med 965 by medical personnel and, additionally, on an electronic medical record facility where this is held by deployed ships and units. Individuals are required to return their F Med 965 to their medical centre on return to their home base and information should then be transferred to their personal medical records. Royal Navy personnel serving in larger ships will have their full personal medical records on board, and F Med 965 would be unnecessary unless they deploy on land. Royal Marines personnel should have their full personal medical record with them if deployed in a ship, but would use the F Med 965 when deployed on land.