HC Deb 18 March 1941 vol 370 cc35-6W
Mr. Viant

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what instructions have been issued to medical officers by his Department in regard to the carrying out of vaccinations; whether intracutaneous, subcutaneous or scarification methods are used; how many marks are produced; and how soon after a previous vaccination is re-vaccination considered to be necessary.

1417. Mr. Alexander

The required information is contained in the following extracts from Admiralty Fleet Orders and King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions. The method used is that advocated in the Vaccination Order, 1929.

Extract from A.F.O. 2343/29.

2. As a rule, Naval Medical Officers should carry out vaccinations and re-vaccinations by the above method, making one insertion only, by means of a single linear scratch. If there are special reasons for desiring additional protection, more than one insertion may be made. In no circumstances should the vaccinated area by cross-scarified or cross-hatched. The "multiple pressure or prick" method may be used by medical officers who are familiar with its technique and interpretation.

3. Cases of primary vaccination are to be regarded as successful when a normal vaccine vesicle has been produced. Cases of re-vaccination are to be regarded as successful when either a vesicle or a papule surrounded by an æola has resulted. Re-vaccination of active service personnel should be carried out every five years.

Extract from K.R. & A.I.

Re-vaccination of active service personnel should be carried out every five years, except for Officers and men appropriated to the East Indies or China Stations for whom the interval for re-vaccination is three years.

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