Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: January 31, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall Ph.D. Assistant Director of Health 222-1017 (623-0405)

Media Update
Smallpox Vaccine and Clinic Schedule 
in Rhode Island

Yesterday, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) received 1200 doses of smallpox vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control. HEALTH stored the vaccine in a secure location. [Sorry, location is confidential for security reasons.]

According to the RI Smallpox plan, HEALTH will offer vaccine to a small number (about 30) of "vaccine monitors" in the first stage. These volunteers include hospital-based clinicians (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians) who will monitor other subsequently vaccinated hospital employees. Volunteers will receive intensive education about smallpox disease, vaccine and related issues, free and confidential HIV testing and rigorous screening for possible conditions that would rule-out smallpox vaccination at this time. HEALTH will follow each of the initial volunteers for about three weeks; then begin vaccinating additional volunteers from among hospital, public health and public safety workers.

HEALTH expects vaccinations to begin during the week of February 24-28, 2003. This timing allows HEALTH to get all the clinic logistics in place and avoids the February 17-21 holiday week. Safety is HEALTH’s primary concern. Volunteers receiving smallpox vaccine should not travel immediately afterward so that their progress can be closely monitored. Vaccination during or just prior to school vacation week also may discourage some volunteers.

For the media: HEALTH intends to hold a media conference prior to the start of the vaccine clinic, and will endeavor to arrange access to some vaccination volunteers for interviews and photos during this or a subsequent event. HEALTH will provide periodic updates (probably weekly) including aggregate information about number of volunteers and vaccine "take". HEALTH will also notify the media of any suspected or confirmed adverse effects that require hospitalization. For more information about smallpox and smallpox vaccine, go to www.health.ri.gov.