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November 15, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Military Smallpox Vaccinations Planned"
Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) (11/15/02) P. A16; Allen, Mike; Graham, Bradley
White House officials said that President Bush would probably clear the way for U.S. military forces to receive the smallpox vaccination but will hold off on vaccinations for the general public to allow time to assess any harmful side-effects. The prediction comes as the White House considers a vaccination plan that was submitted by the Pentagon in preparation of a possible military strike against Iraq, and possible reprisals for U.S. military action against Baghdad here in the states. In the wake of the possibility of military confrontation with Iraq, which administration officials have warned would likely involve some form of chemical warfare, President Bush has been mulling over whether to reinstate mandatory vaccinations for U.S. civilians. However, due to the severe side-effects associated with the smallpox vaccine, Bush, under the advisement of health officials, has been reluctant to give the go-ahead for mass vaccinations. A final decision is expected within the next two weeks.
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