§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to encourage the take-up of the hepatitis vaccine in Scotland, particularly among people in high-risk groups; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 5 April 1990]: Advice on hepatitis B vaccination is contained in the memorandum, "Immunisation against Infectious 929W Disease", which is prepared for the health departments by the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation and is issued to all doctors in Scotland. The memorandum identifies the high-risk groups and gives advice on those to whom vaccination should be offered. A new edition of the memorandum, which will be issued shortly, will remind doctors of the high-risk groups.
Guidance on measures for the protection of health care workers in hospital and the community against occupational infection with HIV and hepatitis viruses was issued on 5 April. The guidance, which is based largely on the advice of the expert advisory group on AIDS, draws attention to the joint committee's recommendations on immunisation.