Nebraska Plans To Halt Smallpox Vaccinations
 

OMAHA, Neb. -- KETV NewsWatch 7 had learned that the state plans to halt voluntary smallpox vaccinations after next week.

State officials said now that the war with Iraq is over, the perceived threat of smallpox may be changing.

The federal government's smallpox plan began in February with Phase I: immunizing health care workers.

Dr. Mark Goodman was one of 1388 Nebraskans to get the vaccine.

"I had a nice take," he said. "It took very well."

By the end of March, Nebraska was confidently moving into Phase II of the vaccination program. While other states continue to move in that direction, Nebraska will stop at the end of Phase I.

That means no firefighters or paramedics will be vaccinated unless -- or until -- the first case appears.

Nebraska's chief medical officer, Dr. Rick Raymond, says for now, the state is as prepared as it needs to be.

"In Nebraska, we have no intention in the near future to do Phase II," he said.

Per capita, Nebraskans are immunized more than any other state.

"I don't think we're going against the grain," said Creighton University's Dr. Jose Romero. "We're making a decision that's wise for Nebraska. Keep in mind some states haven't even begun Phase I.

Romero says that's because the federal government was late in resolving compensation and liability issues.

Some also question if mass vaccination is worth the risk.

Dr. Andre Kalil of the University of Nebraska Medical Center favored the "ring vaccination plan," which immunizes only those close to the actual case.

"First of all, we're not clear of the specific risk of a terrorist attack with smallpox," Kalil said.

A growing number of public health experts agree.

"I think based on what I'm reading -- and have heard -- ring vaccination is a viable way of containing an outbreak," Romero said.

That doesn't mean Romero or Kalil say the plan that was implemented was wrong.

We did what we felt was appropriate at the time," Romero continued. "And we now have a much better ability to respond to any public health problem."

Although the vaccination plan was temporarily stopped, more vaccinations are scheduled.

Once a vial of vaccine has been reconstituted, or diluted, it must be thrown out.

Rather than waste those opened vials, next week shots will be given to health professionals who wanted to -- but couldn't -- get the vaccine the first time around.

Previous Stories:

• March 26, 2003: CDC Warns Of Smallpox Vaccine's Possible Link To Heart Problems
• February 13, 2003: Med Center Sponsors Smallpox Education Forum
• January 26, 2003: Iowans Will Soon Get Smallpox Guides
• January 22, 2003: Offutt Air Base Begins Smallpox Vaccinations
• December 19, 2002: Nebraskans Prepare For Smallpox Vaccinations
• December 14, 2002: Nebraska Officials Ready For Smallpox Vaccinations
• December 13, 2002: Smallpox Vaccinations Start Soon In Iowa
• December 3, 2002: Governor: Nebraska Ready For Smallpox