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June 24, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Smallpox Proposal Raises Ethical Issues"

New York Times (www.nytimes.com) (06/22/02) P. A9; Altman, Lawrence K.

Ethical issues over the public safety of people who come in contact with health care and law enforcement officials that have been vaccinated for the smallpox virus is casting a shadow on a plan to make such vaccinations mandatory.  The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended nationwide vaccinations for public health workers who would investigate the initial cases in a smallpox attack and medical personnel in hospitals designated to care for smallpox victims.  However, some government officials have panned the proposal, believing the dangers of widespread immunizations far outweigh its benefits. Medical research has found that complications from smallpox vaccinations occur in roughly 50 percent of recipients.  Some doctors have claimed that because the vaccinia is live, it can spread, resulting in severe skin infections, and may even destroy tissue, resulting in permanent disability.

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