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February 19, 2003
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Sixteen Hospitals Opt Out of Vaccination Program"
Associated Press (www.ap.org) (02/19/03)
Sixteen Arkansas hospitals have opted out of the smallpox vaccination program, with another 30 hospitals saying they are unsure if they will participate due either to concerns about the adverse events associated with the vaccine or failure of anyone at the hospital to volunteer. The Arkansas Health Department has confirmed, however, that 34 hospitals are participating in the program, and Health Department bioterrorism preparedness team leader Donnie Smith asserts that enough personnel will be vaccinated--1,657 health care workers--to prepare the state for an emergency.
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MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.