IN ORDER TO ANSWER YOUR ENQUIRIES YOU WILL NEED TO BE AWARE
OF THE PRESENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICY ON SMALLPOX VACCINE.
Smallpox was eradicated worldwide in 1980. the last community
acquired case was in Somalia in 1977. Known stocks of the virus now only exist
in secure centers in the US and former Soviet Union.
In the UK, smallpox vaccination ceased in the 1960s as there
were so few cases. It was the view then that, in the absence of any threat of
disease, the risk of serious side effects of the vaccine outweighed any
potential benefits. In the absence of any specific threats to the UK this
remains Government policy.
Vaccination is effective in preventing the disease but there are
limited stocks of vaccine available worldwide.
The Department of Health has substantial stock of smallpox
vaccine, manufactured in the 1970s. The potency of the vaccine is regularly
tested and it has to date remained at the required level. Information about the
size and location of vaccine stocks is not being put in the public domain as
this is information that might be of use to terrorists. These stocks could be
rapidly deployed to contain an outbreak.
The NHS has a contingency plans for the handling of any
outbreaks. The
PHLS has published guidance on the handling of a deliberate
release of smallpox and this is available on its
web site
Further advice is available from NHS DIRECT on 0845 4647
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