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November 4, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Only Fla. Is Prepared for Bioterror"

Associated Press (www.ap.org) (11/01/02); Meckler, Laura

States were required to report their progress in preparing for bioterrorism by Friday, and federal officials say that although many steps have been taken, only Florida is ready to receive and distribute key vaccines and drugs from the government should an attack occur.  Officials note, however, that even though most states are not considered fully prepared, they could respond to an emergency, if needed.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asked states to detail how they will distribute medicine, where they can provide 500 hospital beds, and how hospitals will isolate extremely contagious individuals.  States have until the beginning of next month to supply detailed reports of their smallpox vaccination plans in the event of attack; thus far, only about a third of the states, large cities, and territories that are receiving federal bioterrorism funds have filed their plans.

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