§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what work he is sponsoring in the development of improved rabies vaccines with higher immunogenicity than exists in current vaccines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyWork on developing improved vaccines for rabies has been done in the United States and in France, and since 1973 the Medical Research Council has been testing the newly developed French vaccine, prepared by the Merieux Laboratories, for its protective effect against rabies in man. The council's trials, involving about 400 people, have shown the vaccine to be superior to those currently in use. It produces an increased antibody response after fewer doses, it is effective in more people, its administration is painless and side effects are minimal. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services that the vaccine has recently been licensed for use in this country as a preventive measure in people at special risk.
119WPromising research is in progress at the Animal Virus Research Institute (AVRI), grant aided by the Agricultural Research Council, on an anti-rabies vaccine for use on animals.