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December 20, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Experts Advise Public Against Smallpox Vaccine"
Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) (12/19/02) P. D6; Waldholz, Michael
The public is receiving advice from a number of health experts to not receive smallpox immunizations from authorities. People who should not get the vaccine include AIDS patients, people who recently received a transplant, patients undergoing chemotherapy, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under the age of 18 years, and people with eczema. For every million people vaccinated, one or two will die because of side effects. The health experts note that the smallpox risk is low and transmission is mostly limited to family members and health workers in direct contract with a patient.
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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.