Demand for Pox Vaccine Explodes

New York Daily News ^ | 7/07/02 | News Wire Services

[kattracks]

WASHINGTON

Far more first responders than originally planned may be given smallpox vaccinations, officials said yesterday.

One estimate put the figure at 500,000, up sharply from the 10,000 to 20,000 health care and emergency workers originally recommended for the vaccine.

The new proposal results from estimates that a widespread attack involving the highly contagious disease would expose many more people to the deadly virus.

A decision about the vaccination program is expected by month's end from Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.

"We'll have to have a clear idea of where we're going by Aug. 1," said Dr. Donald Henderson, Thompson's top scientific adviser on bioterrorism and chairman of the secretary's council on public health preparedness.

News Wire Services

[Jim Noble]

I'm pretty sure it's David Henderson.

[Jim Noble]

I'm wrong, it's Donald.

Here's a link to his and other's unfettered opinion about threat and attack management prior to 9/11.

[eno_]

If 500,000 emergency workers will be immunized, that implies planning for an attack that will kill millions. Will we nuke Iraq? What will it take? I know if my kids die and I still live I will take up hunting the vermin who would do such a thing.