Statement on the Federal Smallpox Vaccination Program Announced by the President on December 13, 2002

Board Chair-Approved December 13, 2002

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) agrees with the President that 1) vaccination of the general public should not be recommended at this time, but 2) that voluntary immunization of smallpox response teams should begin. This is consistent with prior AAFP policy issued in June, 2002.

The AAFP does not support immunization of the public since the federal government has clearly stated that there is no reason to believe that smallpox presents an imminent threat. Given the significant side effects of this immunization, the AAFP finds the risks of immunizing the public at this time outweighs the benefit.

States have submitted to the CDC specific plans for how smallpox response teams should be immunized. The AAFP feels it is very important for all vaccine recipients to understand the medical and legal issues involved in being immunized. Recipients need to understand the possibility of spreading the vaccinia virus contained in the vaccine to other persons who may be at risk for severe side affects from infection. This possibility of spread is highest for persons with whom the recipient has close contact such as family members. Information on who should not get the vaccine and who is at increased risk as close contacts can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/index.asp. This site also provides information on the disease, the vaccine, caring for the smallpox vaccination site in addition to contraindications and serious side effects.

Those volunteering to be immunized should also be fully informed about the legal and financial issues. These include such issues as whether they are covered under their health insurance for treatment of adverse effects, whether their employer will grant paid leave for side effects, what liability coverage is provided for secondary infection of others by those being immunized, etc.

The AAFP feels that this immunization program must be closely monitored and the experience learned from the initial vaccination efforts must inform future decisions.

Go to the AAFP's prior statement on smallpox immunization now.