A troubled campaign against smallpox

The Washington Times ^ | may 11, 2003 | Washington Times Editorial

[FairOpinion]

While the SARS outbreak demonstrated how well public health officials can mount a coordinated, comprehensive response to an emerging epidemic, the ongoing smallpox vaccination campaign has showed how public health resistance, coupled with confusing and contradictory federal guidance, can create a muddle of ill-preparedness.

[FairOpinion]

I think CDC is sabotaging the smallpox vaccination effort. Too many Clinton holdovers. Will these people take responsibility for the deaths that may result if we have and attack?

The vaccine was mandatory for thirty years and nobody complained. Why is it such a big deal now?

If terrorists use smallpox in multiple cities at once, at airports, thousands of people may die or more.

Look how much trouble they are having containing SARS. They can't even trace back who got it from whom, so ring vaccinations wouldn't work. Imagine if a deliberate attack occurs.

[F16Fighter]

"I think CDC is sabotaging the smallpox vaccination effort. Too many Clinton holdovers."

"Sabotage" is THE keyword when referring to ANY Clinton holdover in ANY Federal department...

Another keyword is "incompetent."

[prairiebreeze]

I agree about the devastation an outbreak would cause. It could become global easily.

A couple of factors that weren't around 30 years ago were the numbers of people immunocompromised by AIDS and chemo. I read in an article somewhere that even some of the military couldn't be vaccinated due to the immunosuppressed status of family members they lived with. EVEN WITH THIS, it seems the old-fashioned "greatest good for the greatest number" philosophy is just no longer in the memory banks of lot of people.

Some has been made of the potential legal liability for those who give the vaccine to others who then have reactions. I don't think even settling this issue will get many more to come forward for vaccinations though. Until doctors start recommending it, people just won't do it.

A physician friend of mine firmly believes the old "ring" approach of identifying, quarantining and vaccinating those exposed would be effective to deal with a terrorist bio-attack. I think she's full of it. On the other hand, this is likely the guidance that she, as a doctor, has been given by the CDC.

Prairie

[FairOpinion]

I read an article a year or so ago, I wish I would remember where to give the link, which described total mismanagement of funds, waste, abuse at CDC, who were totally ignoring their real charter, and was spending money on politically motivated studies, like justifying gun control, etc., taking lots of foreign trips at government expense. it was terrible. They had it documented with specifics.

[FairOpinion]

I think a lot of people would want it, but unfortunately they are not making it available for the general public.

As for immune compromised people, if everyone, except those would get the vaccine, that would still pretty much stop the spread and protect those people as well, unless they themselves were directly exposed to smallpox.

As for relatives having a problem, if the person vaccinated keeps the bandage on, there are bandages which are 100% effective in keeping the vaccinia virus (the vaccine does NOT contain smallpox, but a significantly less virulent other virus), there is no problem. Worst case and extra security would mean to stay away for about two weeks, while it may be contagious.

Also, if someone has a negative reaction, there is vaccinia gamma globulin available, which is effective, to help people's immune system in dealing with the virus.

Also, if you are going to have a negative reaction, your chances are significantly better if it happens now, when there is no rush, no panic, versus, when the medical profession is too busy dealing with real smallpox cases and trying to vaccinate people after an outbreak.

[ChemistCat]

As far as I'm concerned, this vaccine being public property belongs in part to me, and I resent that I am not being offered the choice NOW whether to take my dose or not.

I actually probably might turn it down because of other medical issues, but I want my children vaccinated. This delay endangers us all.

[FairOpinion]

"this vaccine being public property belongs in part to me, and I resent that I am not being offered the choice NOW whether to take my dose or not. "

---

EXACTLY. They should at least make if available for people to take it on a voluntary basis, after discussing it with their personal physicians.

They have vaccines, which also carry risks, which are mandatory against childhood diseases, which are not fatal, yet they don't even want to make the smallpox vaccine available for people to take it on a voluntary basis.

There is something really wrong here.

[kimosabe31]

It cannot depend on select sets of unwilling elites to provide for the common defense against smallpox.

If there is a smallpox attack, these asshole will be tripping over one another to be first in line to get vaccinnated.

[FairOpinion]

An they will all blame Bush for not protecting us.

[Calpernia]

I will add here. My husband is a state employeed doctor, 'first responder' here in NJ. He has received NO information on smallpox. No invite for vaccination, no information on procedures, nada.

[boris]

"I think a lot of people would want it, but unfortunately they are not making it available for the general public."

I want it, but the M.D. I work out with told me I should not get it.

Why?

"You have diabetes and cardiac disease. The risk of being inoculated is higher than the risk of smallpox."

I dunno, but since it isn't available I guess I'll believe him. Ask me again when it becomes 'generally available'.

No AIDS here, BTW.

--Boris

[ChemistCat]

I think you and I are being lied to about the risks of the vaccination for us. It's all pats on the head. I think the vaccine very unlikely to kill even those of us with other health issues. I know smallpox likely will if it gets a chance...and if my kids should die of it, I won't have much reason to try to survive myself.