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January 24, 2003
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Nurses Union Urges Members to Opt Out of Smallpox Vaccinations" Associated Press (www.ap.org) (01/22/03)
United Nurses and Allied Professionals President Linda McDonald is urging nurses not to receive smallpox vaccinations until a compensation plan is in place for those who develop significant side effects. She says that her decision would change if an imminent smallpox risk to the general public emerged. Free, confidential screening should be given to vaccine recipients to determine if they have conditions making them more susceptible to side effects, says McDonald. A compensation plan is currently being devised by the federal government.
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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.