US Army doctor administers smallpox vaccination to soldier (AP)
Small Pox Immunization Resources Story aired: Tuesday, April 01, 2003
The smallpox inoculation campaign ordered by President Bush late last year appears to be foundering.
To date, only about 26,000 healthcare workers have been vaccinated -- far short of the target of half a million set by the president.
Ten states have now suspended the smallpox campaign over concerns about cardiac adverse events possibly linked to the vaccine, including at least three deaths.
The House yesterday rejected a bill to compensate healthcare workers injured by the vaccine, after Democrats said the Republican-led plan was not generous enough.
Meanwhile, some reports suggest that resources devoted to the campaign are seriously undermining other public health efforts around the country.
Guests:
Ceci Connolly, staff writer for the Washington Post.
