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September 25, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"New Plan to Meet Smallpox Attack"

New York Times (www.nytimes.com) (09/24/02) P. A1; Stolberg, Sheryl Gay; Altman, Lawrence K.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Smallpox Vaccination Clinic Guide" is the federal government's first public admission that a volunteer nationwide program of inoculations could occur after only one case of the disease.  The plan spells out a 10-day initiative for states to vaccinate as many as 1 million people.  The government predicts that 4,680 public health workers would be needed to carry out the goal of each state operating 20 clinics for 16 hours a day.  The timing, expense, and logistical problems of preparing health professional and volunteers for such a project have not been adequately addressed, according to health experts.

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