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October 21, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Who Gets Smallpox Vaccine?"

LANCET Infectious Diseases (infection.thelancet.com) (09/02) Vol. 2, No. 9,

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines call for only healthcare workers assigned to investigate smallpox cases and frontline hospitals workers to be immunized before an outbreak occurs.  The decision not to recommend vaccination for the entire U.S. population was based on the limited and secure world supplies of smallpox virus and the fact that smallpox vaccine carries high side effects risks.  In order to have enough vaccine supplies for every American, investigational new drug protocols would have to be utilized.  Arguments for mass immunizations are that the number of smallpox victims would be reduced, fewer people who have to be immunized after an attack, and that the initiative would make the deliberate release of smallpox less attractive for potential perpetrators.

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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.