Hepatitis vaccine

Press, 2 May 1988, Page 20

Hepatitis vaccine

Sir,—With reference to “Hepatitis vaccine A.I.D.S. rumour almost criminal” (“The Press,” Thursday April 21): The A.I.D.S. virus has a long incuba-

tion periods up to seven years. Any detrimental effects to those immunised with hepatitis B vaccine in 1981 will only just be surfacing. I quote the DirectorGeneral of Health: “Elsewhere in the world, the complete safety of the vaccine has been generally accepted.” Not very convincing, Dr Salmond. Again I quote Dr Salmond: “Intravenous drug abusers are excluded, as are those known to be practising homosexuals.” Does Dr Salmond expect me to believe that the health authorities Can identify all homosexuals? There is cause for concern, especially when New Zealand children are being immunised with a blood-derived vaccine when a safer yeastderived vaccine is now available. I am prepared to debate the Director-General of Health and I will prove who is irresponsible. — Yours, etc., WAYNE STUART. April 21, 1988.

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