“Smallpox Vaccine for Safekeeping”

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Australia has imported over 50,000 doses of Aventis Pasteur’s smallpox vaccine to stockpile in case of a terrorist biological attack. The vaccine is being stored in secret locations, and the government is negotiating to buy additional doses. Health Department spokesman Neil Branch says that the department has not yet decided whether to vaccinate first responders, but he said the 50,000 Aventis Pasteur doses will be kept for “emergency” use. According to Branch, the vaccine could be administered as an “antidote” after an attack, since vaccination within four days of exposure can protect against the illness or reduce its severity. Department spokeswoman Kay McNiece says that there are no plans to vaccinate the general public.

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