WASHINGTON -- Federal advisers are warning that people at high risk for heart trouble, not just those with heart disease already, should avoid the vaccine.

SMALLPOX VACCINE Vaccine Risks Will You Get One? Who Should Be Vaccinated? Smallpox FAQ Vaccine FAQ Government Smallpox Info. CDC Hot Line: (888) 246-2675

To date, 17 recipients developed post-vaccine heart pain or heart attacks, and health officials are looking for any possible links. Three people have died.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating whether the vaccine causes heart inflammation or inflammation of a membrane covering the heart -- or a combination of the two problems.

The agency said anyone who has received the smallpox vaccine should see a health care provider right away if they develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of heart disease after vaccination.

New York, Illinois and California have suspended their vaccination programs while questions about a link to heart disease are investigated.

And a slowdown is not enough for at least one member of a panel advising the CDC. Dr. Paul Offit of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said vaccinations should be stopped. He noted that there hasn't been a smallpox case anywhere in the world.