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April 14, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"U.S. Smallpox Vaccine Program Lags"

Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) (04/13/03) P. A3; Connolly, Ceci

Administrators of the U.S. immunization program that is part of a larger effort to block smallpox acknowledge it has encountered problems associated with higher-than-expected costs, lower support, and concerns about medical risks.  Many in the health sector are urging a shutdown of the program, while vaccine supplies languish, at risk for spoiling if more volunteers are not found soon.  Some experts have voiced worries that the United States' focus on smallpox makes the country more susceptible to other types of bioterrorist attacks or outbreaks, while others have raised concerns about how slowly smallpox vaccines are being administered.  President Bush received a smallpox vaccination months ago, and he encouraged healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers to do the same; but some groups have expressed concern about the danger of the vaccine.  Some of those involved in the program indicate it has helped spread knowledge of smallpox, while others emphasize the importance of legislation that sets aside funds to compensate anyone harmed by the vaccine.  According to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, vaccinating one-fifth of the number of people originally proposed, or 2 million people, will indicate success at this point.

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