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June 7, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Smallpox Vaccinations Urged for Health Care Workers"

New York Times (www.nytimes.com) (06/07/02) P. A22; Altman, Lawrence K.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week held the first of a series of forums designed to solicit opinions on whether there should be more widespread use of the smallpox vaccine.  At the moment, only a small number of laboratory workers and scientist who are actually working with smallpox or related viruses are given the vaccine. However, following last year's anthrax attacks, two panels--the National Vaccine Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices--were set up to consider the question, and they are expected to give their decision on or by June 20.  The panels are trying to weigh up the benefits and risks associated with smallpox vaccination.  As many as 38 million Americans could suffer serious complications if they are given the vaccine--including rashes, death, or brain damage--because their immune system is damaged in some way, or because they have common skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis.  The panels are trying to decide whether the current policy should be changed, and if it is changed, whether to give the vaccine to just emergency and health care workers, or give it to the entire U.S. population.  The U.S. government is currently purchasing 220 million doses of the smallpox vaccine, and delivery is expected by the end of 2002.

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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.