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January 22, 2003

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Hospitals Balk at Smallpox Vaccine"

USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (01/21/03) P. 1A; Parker, Laura

Over 80 hospitals in the United States have decided not to participate in the Bush administration's smallpox vaccination program, with administrators and doctors saying that the vaccine's known health risks outweigh the unknown risks of smallpox's use as a terrorist weapon.  This refusal is bringing up questions about the program as its launch nears, with some experts and government officials fearing that it could make others less willing to participate in the second phase and undermine the administration's plan to make smallpox useless as a weapon.  Those choosing not to participate cite the dangers and complexities of the smallpox vaccine, and some said they are also concerned about funding to deal with complications.  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, who helped draft the administration's plan, says that it seems prudent to vaccinate a small group of health care workers--volunteers--to get the nation ready.

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