HC Deb 21 November 1938 vol 341 cc1362-3W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether the five cases of post-vaccinal encephalitis referred to in the annual report of the Chief Medical Officer for 1937 had been vaccinated with Government lymph; what arrangements exist for the notification to his medical department of cases of post-vaccinal encephalitis; and whether he is satisfied that all cases of this description are so notified?

Mr. Elliot

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, medical practitioners have been requested from time to time by notice in the medical Press and otherwise, to report to my Department any case of acute nervous disease following within four weeks of vaccination; information regarding such cases is also obtained from the returns rendered by public vaccinators to the Government Lymph Establishment regarding the use of Government lymph. I am advised that there is no reason to suppose that any sensible number of such cases escape the notice of the Department.