Posted on 06/20/2002 1:38:01 PM PDT by tellw
Panel urges small teams of vaccinated smallpox responders (original title)
ATLANTA (AP) - A government advisory panel rejected smallpox vaccinations for the general public Thursday, instead proposing that the shots be given to special teams of people in each state who would be designated the first to respond in case of a bioterrorism attack.
The recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which sets U.S. vaccine policy, came after two days of hearings on the threat of a smallpox attack versus the dangerous side effects of the vaccine.
The recommendation is subject to approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. Currently, smallpox vaccinations are given only to scientists who handle the virus. But federal health officials asked the panel to reconsider after Sept. 11 and the anthrax-by-mail attacks.
Under the plan proposed Thursday, states would designate smallpox response teams - probably including doctors, disease detectives, nurses, lab workers and law enforcement officers - who would be first to investigate a suspected terrorist release of the virus. These teams would be vaccinated against the deadly virus.
States would also be allowed to vaccinate staff at pre-designated hospitals where patients with confirmed cases of smallpox would be treated.
The government estimates the number of people vaccinated under the plan would be in the thousands. Vaccinating every American against the virus without a credible threat of its widespread release was judged too risky.
The vaccine can cause severe rashes, brain swelling and death, particularly in people with skin disorders and or the AIDS viruse. About 300 people would die from side effects if the whole nation were vaccinated, experts have said.
/tinfoil
Assume true. How many people die of side effects from other vaccines routinely given today?
Seriously, I'd like to see how many of these "experts" are affiliated with HMOs. Let's say 100 million vaccinations at $10 a pop for drugs and doctor time - $1 billion.
Standard MO of HMOs.
If Iraq or other countries have the capability to introduce the smallpox virus into this country, this decision and its public announcement will embolden them even more. We would be sitting ducks for a smallpox epidemic.
I'll pay for the vaccination, but I have NO WISH to be dependent upon a government agency in case of a pox outbreak.
We already are, this new policy simply announces it far and wide to the rest of the world.
In the event of an attack against our nation, troop mobility will be paramount. That alone should be reason enough for a national vaccination campaign. A widely spread bioweapon attack is no doubt a part of the plans formulated by Al Qaeda and others. The idea of containment during a national crisis is laughable.
The anthrax caused deaths among postal workers is the result of the CDC in action when the government was hit with a bioweapon attack. The little people, the American working class, dies while the elite are covered. I have no trust in the CDC. Surely they and all their family members are vaccinated against smallpox.
Some Americans don't want to be vaccinated. That is their choice and not some bureaucrat's mandate. Prevention of terrorism must be our goal. The threatened use of smallpox against Americans is just that, the naked threat of terror.
I read somewhere, I believe NewsMax was the source, that the number of people who might die from the complications of smallpox vaccine is equal to the number of Americans killed every minute and thirty seconds on our highways, approximately 300 lives. The number who could die in a smallpox terror attack against an unvaccinated public numbered around a million lives. Big, big difference.
Even if none, I'm sure their (the HMOs) lobbyists were heard from.
I think the benefits out weigh the risks.
Yes! Absolutely right! What arrogance.
I'm one, I'll take my chances on my old one unless the pox is found real close to me.
That is their choice and not some bureaucrat's mandate.
Unless they want you to have it. Refuse, they throw you in jail, they vaccinate you there for 'safty' reasons (you can't infect the other felons), and don't worry you will be a felon if you refuse the orders of the 'masters'. If it comes to that, whoever tries it on me will regret the attempt, they will have to vaccinate a corpse (among several that will be found there ;-)
Hey if there's a smallpox attack and you want to be quarantined until the feds make it around to you, that's your choice. As for me I'd rather get the protection now.
I am not worried about anthrax either..
I mean, if you want to worry then the possibilities are absolutely limitless. Me? I will wait till there is a need and a specific threat before I get concerned.
If YOU want to go to YOUR doctor.. and PAY, YOURSELF for a smallpox vaccination..
Then fine. I think that's fair.
This hardly seems necessary in light of GOP-mandated population control policies as well as a sitting US Vice President (Gore's) speaking at a closed conference on Depopulation.
President Bush recently has made the critical admission that humans are responsible for global warming and greenhouse gases.
Unless -- in this ONE instance that is the almighty Environment -- the Gore-bachev crowd of former Soviets, former Democrats and assorted recycled Reds do not intend to follow through as planned, the Fun should begin any time now.
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