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Smallpox Vaccine

Volume 408: debated on Thursday 10 July 2003

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To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many smallpox vaccines he expects to procure through (a) the first and (b) the second tranche of the order; when he expects to take delivery of both tranches of the vaccine; and if he will make a statement. [108002]

Increasing vaccine stocks is part of the Department's strategy in providing the maximum possible protection to the public and ensuring that the national health service can deal safely with any potential smallpox cases.The Department of Health has taken full delivery of the first smallpox vaccine procurement. The procurement process for the second tranche of smallpox vaccines will be completed shortly.We have sufficient stocks of smallpox vaccine, which would be rapidly deployed to contain any outbreak. We are planning for every eventuality and this includes the ability to vaccinate the entire population if necessary.