Smallpox Vaccination Compensation Issue

With U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson acknowledging that the problem with the Bush administration’s smallpox vaccination program “is that there is not a compensation fund” for those harmed by the vaccine (“U.S. Far Behind Schedule for Smallpox Vaccinations,” Feb. 8), it’s no surprise that many hospitals are balking at participating in the program. And it’s certainly no wonder that so many doctors, nurses and other health-care providers have refused to be vaccinated.

Nurses and other health professionals want to be able to respond should a smallpox outbreak occur. But we shouldn’t have to participate in a program that isn’t safe for us, our patients or our families. The dangers of the smallpox vaccine are well known: One in three who get vaccinated will feel too sick to go to work for one or more days and could transmit an infection to patients with weakened immune systems. Between 14 and 52 people per 1 million vaccinated will face significant or life-threatening illness, and one or two could die. In speaking out for better screening procedures, compensation for all victims of the vaccine and guarantees that people who choose not to be vaccinated will not be discriminated against, we are trying to protect everyone’s health.

Luisa Blue RN

President

Service Employees International Union

Nurse Alliance, Local 121

Los Angeles

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So many of the hospitals and groups controlling nursing staffs and doctors do not want their people vaccinated unless they are compensated. Wow. Does anyone remember the influenza attack early in the 20th century that killed 25 million people? Do people realize that if you get smallpox and survive you can possibly be scarred for life from the “pox”? I would be happy to stand in line for this vaccination for myself and my children. When will the average citizen get this chance? I bet a lot of us would go for the vaccination without compensation. If the government needs to have more people vaccinated, call me.

Moira Cleary

Reseda