Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.
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December 16, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Thompson Says He'll Skip Smallpox Vaccine"
Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com) (12/16/02) P. 11
Although President Bush plans to take the smallpox vaccination, he does not recommend the potentially risky shots for most Americans. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson has announced that he does not plan to get the smallpox shot, and he suggested that other Cabinet members refrain from getting the vaccination, too. The shots will be free to those who want them; however, statistics show that one or two out of every million patients will die from the vaccine, and 15 could face life-threatening complications.
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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.