HL Deb 13 March 2003 vol 645 cc192-3WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to encourage all service personnel deployed to the Gulf to accept anthrax vaccinations. [HL1943]

Lord Bach

We have assembled a comprehensive package of information and education materials for personnel included in the programme which, along with clear briefings from medical staff and commanding officers, we hope will encourage personnel to take advantage of the protection that immunisation against anthrax provides. Furthermore, we are expanding the programme so as to make immunisation against anthrax routine for all United Kingdom Armed Forces personnel. We hope that this will encourage personnel to regard immunisation against anthrax as a normal part of their readiness and preparedness. The information and education materials will be reviewed and improved as the programme expands.