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.
------------------------------------------------------------
June 24, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"How to Prepare for a Smallpox Attack"
New York Times (www.nytimes.com) (06/23/02) P. 4-12
In an editorial, the New York Times expresses disappointment at an expert committee's recommendation that the smallpox vaccine be made available only to those expected to respond to a bioterror attack and not to the general public. Though the committee expressed confidence that any smallpox attack could be contained by rushing vaccine to an area where smallpox cases were detected and vaccinating everyone who had contact with the victims, the editorial says that under some circumstances, such as delivery of smallpox by aerosol, an epidemic could spread much more rapidly than any outbreaks the public health system has previously encountered. The editorial concludes that all Americans should have the option of taking the vaccine if they so desire.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
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.