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medpundit |
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Saturday, November 16, 2002President Bush is moving toward approval of separate plans to inoculate civilians and the military against smallpox, a disease eradicated decades ago but feared as an agent of bioterrorism, administration officials say. Mr. Bush was said to be closer to a decision on the military. At the same time, officials said the president was comfortable with proposals to eventually offer the smallpox vaccine to all Americans, beginning with health care workers most likely to come into contact with a contagious patient. He has not, however, signed off on key details or a final plan. Mr. Bush's top bioterrorism aides agree the vaccine should eventually be offered to the general public. At issue is how fast to move ahead. The decision about military vaccinations has been made (they’re going to get them.) and it looks as if steps are being taken to make it possible for civilians to elect to have it, too. Once the legal liability issues are taken care of, then the overall plan for smallpox defense can begin: Federal health officials have recommended that prior to any attack the United States slowly phase in smallpox vaccinations, beginning with about 500,000 military and 500,000 civilian health care workers who are considered to be at greatest risk of encountering the virus. After that, they suggest offering vaccine to as many as 10 million first responders and then the entire population some time in 2004. posted by Sydney on 11/16/2002 08:03:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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