HC Deb 03 December 1987 vol 123 c708W
Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to protect medical and para medical staff of the armed forces against contracting the Hepatitis B virus.

Mr. Freeman

Hepatitis B vaccination is already offered on request to health care workers who come into regular contact with blood and/or body fluids of their patients, in line with the current guidelines already issued by the DHSS.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will introduce a policy of Hepatitis B vaccination for members of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The MOD already has a policy for Hepatitis B vaccination for groups of members of the armed forces who are considered to be specifically at risk. These include personnel posted to high risk areas of the world where there is no regular Service medical support.

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