January 24, 2003

U.S. to Start Civilian Smallpox Vaccinations

Hospital workers in Connecticut were scheduled to become the first American civilians vaccinated against smallpox on Friday under a government program aimed at protecting against a biological attack, U.S. health officials said.

Friday is the first possible day the vaccinations can take place under the provisions of the new Homeland Security Act, and Connecticut state officials said they would lead the way with the first immunizations at the University of Connecticut health center in Farmington.

Gulp.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe that things like this are really happening, but they are. (What a nightmare!)
We are at war and have been attacked and could be attacked again...with smallpox, so I suppose we should "work smart" and get these vaccinations, if possible, as soon as we can.