Bush Receives Smallpox Vaccination

Reuters ^ | Dec. 21, 2002 | Jim Wolf

[Wait4Truth]

Somehow, I can't see bill clinton doing this. We have a Commander-in-Chief that respects the troops. He is a good man.

[Cicero]

Didn't I read that Tommy Thompson is refusing to be immunized? It's his choice, but it's not a very helpful example.

[McGavin999]

Don't scratch Dubya!

[nhoward14]

Maybe he is feeling brave and considers his refusal a statement of "I'm not afraid of the f#^&&$ing ba$tards!"

[Dog]

I can see Bill Clinton taking the shot either..

[Dog]

can=can't......proofread DOG!!!!!!!!!!

[Jean S]

Fed Health Chief: I'll Skip Smallpox Vaccine

[McGavin999]

Actually, he is providing a good role model. They are trying to get across to the people that although the vaccine is available, you shouldn't take it unless you really feel it's necessary. That's why Dubya has decided only he will get the vaccine and not Laura and the girls.

The last thing we need is panic. Everyone running out to get a vaccine that is not yet necessary. It's one thing after an outbreak. The vaccine will be effective even up to days after someone is exposed. Ring vaccinations (vaccinating just those people in an area surrounding an outbreak) is the most effective right now. The needless death or illness would merely result in lawsuits and possibly causing the vaccine not to be available in the event of a terrorist strike.

[donozark]

Corporal Clinton may be precluded from Smallpox vaccination. Weakened immune system-STD.

[nhoward14]

I thought they passed a federal law specifically stating that medical professionals admistering the smallpox vaccine are immune [no pun intended] from lawsuits.

[Wait4Truth]

Not just the STD - my guess is he would be too much of a coward. Plus, he has only disdain for the military. Bush has character. The clintons disgust me and their recent comments have only made it worse.

[McGavin999]

Since when did that stop trial lawyers?

It's not just that, it's that if someone gets sick or dies the newspapers will go nuts.

There is no need to take a vaccine unless you are going to be exposed to something. Our military may well be. The people in Kansas probably won't. Nobody should put medicine into their bodies unless it's necessary. There are enough vaccinations available to take care of the American people if smallpox is used as a weapon against us, but it could start a panic if suddenly everyone in government is getting vaccinated. People would immediately rush out and demand they be vaccinated too. Why?

What Tommy Thompson is telling people is "I believe what is being told to you and to show you I believe it, I'm not getting vaccinated." What Bush is telling the military is "As your Commander in Chief I will not ask you to do something I am unwilling to do". Both men are doing their jobs in a very noble manner.

[Wait4Truth]

That's ok, my little pet. I knew what you meant. :-)

[Wait4Truth]

No, McGavin - there MUST be some sinister reason why Tommy has decided not to get the vaccine. :-)

[donozark]

Yes indeed! And that Patty Murray? What a disgrace! R-E-C-A-L-L!!

Wasn't it amusing what Klintler said a couple months ago re:Israel? Words to the effect that should Israel be in danger of invasion he would grab a rifle and join them on the River Jordan! HA! What an asset THAT would be! Oddly enough, he got loud applause for his comments. How foolish can people be?

He would probably fear smallpox vaccination, but sure he has had plenty of shots for "acute urethritis!"

[Chemist_Geek]

Ring vaccinations (vaccinating just those people in an area surrounding an outbreak) is the most effective right now.

How can ring vaccinations help, in such a mobile society as we have now?

Assume that there's a smallpox release, and there's a three day incubation period. In those three days, thousands of people will have traveled from the source to locations all over the U.S. and the world, unwittingly bringing the virus with them.

[McGavin999]

Oh, the other thing they're worried about is the smallpox virus getting out into a non-vaccinated public. That could cause a real problem. Right now they are vaccinating medical and first responders only and can control it. If doctors start vaccinating anyone there is no guarantee that they will keep the vaccination site properly covered to contain the virus. A couple of people get sloppy and we could have an outbreak without the aid of terrorists.

If there is a strike and we are exposed, then getting the vaccinations will be life saving rather than life threatening.

[Dog]

See the reason Thompson isn't getting the shot is the BUILDABURGERS have told him not to.....:-)

[McGavin999]

Yep, that's the horror of it. But unless there is a direct threat, vaccinating the general population could do the same thing. If the virus is not properly covered it can be spread to those who have not been vaccinated.

When I was a kid, everyone had been vaccinated so it wasn't a problem. You ever try to tell a kid not to scratch something when it itches?