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December 13, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Citing Dangers, Experts Warn Against Vaccinating Children"

New York Times (www.nytimes.com) (12/13/02) P. A17; McNeil, Donald G.

Federal health officials and doctors who advise the government on its smallpox vaccination policy warn that children and teenagers should not be vaccinated for smallpox due to the high risk of complications; experts suggest that adults receive the vaccine on a voluntary basis and then keep children and teenagers at home during any outbreak to protect them from contracting the disease. The new smallpox vaccine, expected to be ready by 2004, has not been tested on children, so the government might be held responsible for any complications resulting from vaccinating them.  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia doctor Paul Offit believes parents are concerned about smallpox right now due to fear-inspiring reports from the media, but their willingness to be vaccinated might decrease as vaccinations cause a few cases of serious problems among medical workers and military personnel, who are to be inoculated first.

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