Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc.,
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July 29, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"U.S. Decision on Smallpox Shots Seen in Days"
Reuters (www.reuters.com) (07/26/02)
The United States has said it will soon introduce a plan to meet
smallpox head-on in case of a biological terrorist attack.
Officials are considering the risks of vaccinating large numbers
of people with a vaccine that has some serious side effects,
while also taking into account the risk of a bioterrorist attack.
Concerns about potential legal action that could result if people
develop complications after receiving the shots are also an
issue. Health experts are trying to determine whether
first-responders, such as emergency department workers or
firefighters, who may have to help in case of an attack should be
vaccinated against smallpox, and then there are issues relating
to how many should be vaccinated and whether their family members
should also receive the shots.
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MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
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.