March 05, 2003

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has begun mailing smallpox information packets to 3.5 million clinicians nationwide as part of its plan to educate medical professionals about smallpox and the vaccine. The packet includes up-to-date information designed to help clinicians identify a case of smallpox, recognize and manage patients with an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and help others make decisions about receiving the vaccine. It contains visual materials to help clinicians assess patients who present with rash illnesses; a pocket guide with color pictures and information about smallpox vaccination; and a three-page document with information about who should get vaccinated, associated risks and adverse reactions. Additional information about smallpox and training tools for clinicians can be found at http://www.smallpox.gov and http://www.cdc.gov/smallpox. The materials are available in Spanish at www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/basics/espanol.