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For Immediate Release: February 4, 2003 (03-025)
Contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
Tim Church, Communications Office
360-236-4077
State Department of Health orders smallpox vaccine from federal authorities
Two pilot vaccination clinics planned for later this month
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has placed an order for 4,000 doses of smallpox vaccine with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state will use the vaccine during clinics to immunize a small number of public health and hospital workers who will make up smallpox response teams.
"These clinics will help better prepare our state for a smallpox attack," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "It is important for us to have teams of vaccinated health care and public health professionals ready to respond if needed. However, this vaccine is not recommended or available for the general public."
The National Stage 1 Smallpox Vaccination Plan is intended to prepare our country against a smallpox attack by vaccinating a limited number of public health and hospital workers who would most likely be among the first to come in contact with a suspected or actual smallpox case. Participation is strictly voluntary, and volunteers undergo medical screening to make sure they’re not at high risk of an adverse reaction to the vaccine. Everyone vaccinated will receive thorough instructions and will be followed-up to help prevent the spread of the vaccinia virus.
Details are being finalized for two state-run "pilot clinics" later this month at which a small number of public health workers will receive the smallpox vaccine. One pilot clinic will operate in western Washington, and the other in eastern Washington. There are also plans for additional clinics that will be operated in nine regions by local health departments.
We have been monitoring several issues at the state and national level prior to scheduling the first clinic. While there are still some questions about the extent of liability protections and availability of a compensation fund, our assessment is that the major elements necessary for implementation of a smallpox vaccination program in Washington have been put in place. We continue to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to get the remaining questions addressed.
The Washington State Stage 1 Smallpox Vaccination Plan is part of the national effort to be better prepared against acts of bioterrorism. The Department of Health plan balances emergency preparedness with the emphasis on safety for smallpox vaccine volunteers. The department has been working closely with partners in local health jurisdictions, health care providers, and hospitals to develop the plan. The state has been divided into nine regions, which will coordinate and conduct their own smallpox vaccination clinics based on regional needs.
The Department of Health Web site has more information on the Washington State Stage 1 Smallpox Vaccination Plan (http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/smallpox/faq_stage1.htm). The agency Web site also has additional information on the Smallpox Vaccine (http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/smallpox/faqsmallpoxvaccine.htm) and on the Smallpox Disease (http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/handbook/smallpoxfact.htm).
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