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March 5, 2003
HONOLULU - Public health workers rolled up their sleeves today and
moved toward bioterrorism preparedness by receiving a voluntary
smallpox vaccination. Most of those immunized today are Hawaii Public
Health Nurses who will vaccinate other public health workers across the
state in the months to come as part of the National Smallpox
Vaccination Program.
Today’s vaccinees will also be members of Hawaii’s
public health response teams. These teams would be called upon to
investigate and manage suspected cases of smallpox and implement
control measures in the event of a bioterrorist attack. The teams
include physicians, investigators, laboratory specialists, nurses and
staff assistants.
"The likelihood of a smallpox outbreak in Hawaii is small but the
consequences of not being prepared are great," said Director of Health
Dr. Chiyome Fukino. "We owe the committed volunteers a debt of
gratitude for their willingness to help protect our communities." The
Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
are not recommending vaccination for the general public at this time
because of the chance of rare but serious reaction to the vaccine.
"The safe vaccination of our public health workers is our highest
priority," said Dr. Paul Effler, State Epidemiologist. "Every vaccine
has risks and the vaccinia vaccine is no exception. But with an in
depth educational and screening process we’ve made every effort
to help Department of Health employees make an informed decision and
hopefully avoid an adverse reaction."
This is the first time in more than 30 years that a Hawaii civilian
has received what was once a common vaccine. The World Health
Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980 after a worldwide
vaccination campaign. Recent world events have highlighted the United
States’ vulnerability to the use of smallpox as a biological
weapon. In December of 2002 the Bush administration initiated a
national preparedness program. The program calls for the formation of
civilian response teams to provide critical services in the event of a
smallpox attack.
Detailed information about the virus and Hawaii’s planning
efforts are also available through the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention at www.cdc.gov/smallpox and via the DOH web site at www.state.hi.us/doh
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For more information, contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Director
Phone: (808) 586-4442
E-mail: jsokubo@health.state.hi.us
Laura M. Lott
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
E-mail: lmlott@health.state.hi.us
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