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December 09, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Smallpox Strategy Hits Snag in U.S."

Philadelphia Inquirer (www.philly.com/mld/inquirer) (12/08/02) P. A1; McCullough, Marie

Dec. 9 is the deadline for states to submit smallpox-vaccination plans to the federal government, but no one has asked the health care workers who are supposed to be vaccinated first what they think of the idea or if they are willing to be immunized, notes Marie McCullough.  The disease is dangerous and highly fatal, but the vaccine can also be dangerous and has strong side effects.  Federal officials say that smallpox vaccinations will be voluntary, and there are as yet no plans for mass vaccinations.  A government advisory committee has recommended that each major hospital have a team of some 100 vaccinated workers in case of a smallpox outbreak, but most hospitals have not educated employees about the vaccine either.  Some unionized workers want some promises before they volunteer, such as paid time off if they become sick from the vaccine.

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