Small teams of health workers and military staff are to be vaccinated against smallpox in case of a bioterrorist attack on the UK, it was announced on Monday.

Health minister John Hutton said that while there was no current evidence of a "specific threat" involving the virus, it was "prudent" to make sure the NHS could cope.

The health departments of all the UK governments are due to publish detailed plans on how Britain might handle a biological attack.

Under the new plans, "Regional Smallpox Response Groups" are to be created.

It is sensible and prudent to ensure that the NHS can deal with any potential threat

Health Minister John Hutton

Approximately 350 people within these will receive the vaccinations.

A similar number of key military personnel will also be inoculated against the virus.

The health teams - who would be called in to respond in the event of an attack - will consist of infectious disease specialists, paediatricians, public health doctors, microbiologists and virologists.

Specialist disease control nurses will also be on the teams.

Stocks of vaccine

The Department of Health says that these core groups will need to be immunised against the disease.

Vaccination should be completed by the end of next month.

In a written Parliamentary statement, Health Minister John Hutton said: "Since the tragic events of September 11, the Department of Health has strengthened its plans against any deliberate release of biological agents, including smallpox.

The effects of smallpox can be terrifying

"We have no evidence of a specific threat of a smallpox attack on the UK.

"However, it is sensible and prudent to ensure that the NHS can deal with any potential threat."

The government is aiming to improve its stocks of smallpox vaccine quickly.

Defence Minister Lewis Moonie added: "We have decided to offer vaccination against smallpox to a small number of specialist military personnel whose specialisation means they face a greater risk of exposure to smallpox."

Creating a ring

Its "interim plan of action", to be published on Monday contains details on how a bioterror attack involving smallpox would be countered.

The prime target is "ring vaccination" - inoculating people who may have come into contact with the virus.

This would be carried out by the regional teams.

Similar detailed plans are under preparation by the devolved governments of Wales and Scotland.

England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Liam Donaldson told the BBC: "The public should be reassured that we have a very effective plan in place should the worst happen.

"Part of this is ensuring that our 'first responders' are vaccinated and protected against the disease."

Side-effects

Although there has been some pressure both in the US and UK for a precautionary mass vaccination programme prior to any attack, many experts believe this is not a good idea.

This is because the smallpox vaccine, like any other, will cause side-effects, perhaps even fatal ones, in a small proportion of patients given the jab.

Mass vaccination of millions would inevitably lead to the deaths of dozens.

Instead, by targeting key workers, the risks can be minimised.

Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "The limited program announced today shows that the government has genuine concerns about a biological attack involving smallpox.

"It is essential that the Government is honest with the public about the scale of any potential risk."