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June 19, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"States Race Against Bioterror Threat"

Associated Press (www.ap.org) (06/18/02); Kampeas, Ron

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks and the implementation of the Bioterrorism Act, the United States is preparing for potential terrorist attacks in the future by making water supplies more secure, protecting sporting events, stockpiling vaccines for smallpox, and making decisions about the possibilities of nationwide smallpox vaccinations.  The Bioterrorism Act promises $4 billion in federal funding to increase vaccine stockpiles, train medical personnel to respond to bioterror outbreaks, and build labs.  While most of the states have received federal bioterrorism funding that was set aside earlier this year, the money may be slow to reach rural areas, and some local authorities do not have the personnel or facilities to implement the new programs.

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