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May 10, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Panel Supports Smallpox Vaccine for Some Workers"

Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) (05/10/02) P. A12; Terhune, Chad

At a meeting this week in Atlanta, a federal advisory panel examining the issue of mass smallpox vaccination opposed launching a mass vaccination campaign against smallpox, but it did urge that small numbers of hospital personnel and state health workers receive smallpox vaccinations as preparation in case there is an outbreak of the disease.  The deliberations are part of a move by the federal government to re-examine the policy on smallpox vaccination in the wake of last year's terrorist attacks.  The panel, which is comprised of approximately 30 researchers, doctors, and public-health officials, will present its findings to the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices within the next four or five weeks.  The committee will then issue a final recommendation to senior U.S. health officials, although health officials have said that the recommendations could change if the potential threat of a bioterrorist attack using smallpox increases.

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.