GEORGE W. Bush will be among the first Americans to roll up his sleeve and receive the potentially deadly smallpox vaccine.

Outlining his pre-emptive strike to protect America against the killer disease, the President revealed he and about 1 million military personnel would be vaccinated.

"As commander in chief, I do not believe I can ask others to accept this risk unless I am willing to do the same," he said.

"Therefore, I will receive the vaccine along with our military."

Ten million police, medical and other emergency officers will also be jabbed next year as a precaution against a possible smallpox attack by terrorists.

The vaccination – which kills recipients at a rate of about one in a million – will be provided on a voluntary basis for all Americans by 2004.

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease that inflicts victims with high fever and a rash of bumps.

It can leave victims disfigured and can be fatal.

Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 and there has not been a single natural case of the disease anywhere in the world since, Mr Bush said.