HC Deb 09 February 1993 vol 218 cc616-7W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will review her Department's guidelines on the screening and vaccination of health care workers in relation to the hepatitis B virus.

Mr. Sackville

The 1992 edition of "Immunisation against Infectious Disease", issued to all doctors and to other health professionals with immunisation responsibilities, contains advice on immunisation against hepatitis B for risk groups, including health care personnel.

The advisory group on hepatitis, which advises United Kingdom health departments, has produced revised guidelines designed to prevent transmission of hepatitis B from health care workers. These have gone out to consultation with professional bodies and the national health service, and they should be available for distribution later this year.