Bioterrorism Preparedness Program

Smallpox Preparedness

- Health Care Provider Alert -

SMALLPOX VACCINATION UPDATE

At 2:00 p.m. EST today, the President will be making an announcement regarding voluntary smallpox vaccination to create a strategic reserve of professionals in each state prepared to control local smallpox outbreaks anywhere in the nation. In anticipation of this announcement, the Rhode Island Department of Health has prepared a plan to proceed with voluntary smallpox vaccination of a cadre of 1200 health care workers, public health workers, and public safety workers. The Rhode Island plan, submitted to the federal government on December 3^rd, may be viewed on HEALTH’s website:

http://www.health.state.ri.us/environment/biot/smallpox.pdf

The plan describes a central, state-operated clinic with tight control of the voluntary vaccination process, including screening for contraindications, vaccinating, monitoring for vaccine "take," monitoring for vaccine side effects, and treating vaccine side effects as they arise.

At present, the state is preparing to begin the voluntary smallpox vaccination program sometime in January, contingent on the release of vaccine by the federal government.

HEALTH will respond quickly and positively to federal plans. Our plan for voluntary vaccination of health care workers, public health workers, and public safety workers will be updated as necessary.

We also understand that the United States military will begin vaccinating 500,000 personnel immediately. Some of these personnel are based in Rhode Island. It is therefore possible that health care providers may encounter patients with Vaccinia lesions. Please practice universal precautions to avoid accidental innoculation with Vaccinia. You may wish to familiarize yourself with visuals of Vaccina lesions, available on the web at:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/training/smallpoxvaccine/reactions

Please note that smallpox vaccine is not currently available for members of the general public. Should the need arise for rapid, population-based vaccination, Rhode Island would receive enough smallpox vaccine for the entire state. Shipments would be received in the state within 12 hours of release by the federal government. HEALTH is prepared to respond to public concerns as they arise.

Developments from this point on will be fast breaking. HEALTH will keep health care providers informed of further developments as they occur through faxes, emails, and by posting information to our website:
www.health.ri.gov