HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 cc643-4W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the take-up of anthrax vaccination among troops preparing to deploy to the Middle East. [91821]

Dr. Moonie

Immunisation against anthrax is just one component of the range of defensive capabilities available to our Armed Forces which protect them against, and enable them to respond to, chemical and biological threats. These include detectors, warning and reporting systems, physical protection including respirators, decontamination equipment and procedures, and other medical counter measures such as antibiotics. We have assembled a package of information and education materials which we hope will encourage Service personnel to take advantage of the additional protection that immunisation against anthrax provides. We are confident that the majority of personnel now deploying to the Gulf will opt to receive immunisations against anthrax, and expect take-up to improve further as the programme expands.