§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Service how many people have died or suffered injury as a result of unnecessary smallpox vaccinations in the current year; and how many in each year since 1970.
§ Sir George YoungI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue guidance to doctors advising them to consider the issue of waived letters to travellers to those countries still requiring smallpox certificates stating that the risks of such vaccinations are medically unjustifiable.
§ Sir George YoungWhether to vaccinate in a particular case is for the doctor to decide. There is, however, no guarantee that a waiver letter would be acceptable in those countries which still require certificates of vaccination against smallpox. As the Department's "Notice to Travellers" points out, where vaccination is contra-indicated it is advisable to confirm with the appropriate embassy or mission before leaving that a doctor's letter to this effect will be acceptable.