Replies

The vaccines that you and I received had a shelf-life of 10-12 years according to medical experts - and once again, thanks to clinton, we have NO plant currently producing vaccine. The planned DILUTIONS of the 15 million vaccines available (IF proven possible) will not be ready until NEXT SUMMER, or even until 2004 If a massive outbreak of smallpox occurs, many may be exposed who will have no access to vaccines. We will need to have the option of accessing this available drug which is currently in production.

The drug cidofovir (Vistide) is approved, classified as an experimental treatment, and is being made available to thousands, possibly millions of AIDS patients. But it will not be made available even as an option to U.S. Smallpox patients who might be saved by it. Bottom line: Cidofovir is available, and appears to be an effective (if not absolute) treatment for smallpox. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NYC DEPT OF HEALTH website it will NOT BE OFFERED due to the fact it is in vitro - experimental. If threatened by smallpox, we should be offered the option to access it for treatment. We need to start asking questions NOW if we want to be able to access this possibly life-saving treatment...