§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking for the population of the United Kingdom in respect of the World Health Organisation guidance that the people should receive a booster vaccine against diptheria every 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [31503]
§ Mr. SackvilleWe are not aware of any such recommendations by the World Health Organisation. WHO recommends that a primary course of three doses of diphtheria vaccine should be part of the immunisation programme and in the United Kingdom children are offered three doses of diptheria vaccine at two, three and four months of age. A reinforcing booster dose is offered as part of the pre-school booster to four-year-olds and a further low dose booster of tetanus/diphtheria vaccine is offered to teenagers.
The chief medical officer has issued advice for boosting requirements for travellers to eastern Europe.
3W