HC Deb 03 May 1956 vol 552 cc58-9W
Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health what are the injections that may increase the risk of paralysis following vaccination against poliomyelitis.

Mr. Turton

In the absence of infection there is no risk of paralysis following vaccination against poliomyelitis with a safe vaccine. In the presence of infection any injection may be provocative of a paralytic form of the disease.

Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health whether he will inform all local authorities that excessive muscular exertion, tonsillectomy and certain injections may increase the risk of paralysis following vaccination against poliomyelitis in accordance with the advice which he has received.

Mr. Turton

These are not risks which are increased by vaccination against poliomyelitis. They are things which are best avoided in areas and at times when there is an outbreak of poliomyelitis in being. Local authorities have been fully warned of this since 1954, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the document sent to them.