President Announces Smallpox
Vaccination Plan
December 20, 2002 - President Bush Dec. 13 officially
released the plan for
the vaccination of military and health care personnel against
smallpox. The Department of Defense will take steps immediately
to resume vaccination of certain military and civilian personnel.
The Department of Health and Human Services will work with
state and local governments to identify health care workers
and first responders, who will volunteer to be vaccinated
and serve on Smallpox Response Teams. These teams will provide
services in the event of a smallpox attack. The President's
statement emphasizes that there is no imminent threat of attack
and the vaccination of civilians is voluntary. The Administration
is not recommending that the general public be vaccinated
at this point, but there is enough stockpiled vaccine to vaccinate
every person in the country in the event of an emergency.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
