Officials Look Into Smallpox Vaccine Side Effects

Three Serious Smallpox Vaccine Side Effects Reported

WASHINGTON -- Officials are investigating the cases of three health care workers who became ill after receiving the smallpox vaccine.

From Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, 2003, the smallpox vaccine was administered to 7,354 civilian health care and public health workers in 40 jurisdictions.

While 23 nonserious side effects have been reported, these are the first reports of injuries associated with the civilian vaccination program, according to Dr. Eric Mast, an immunization expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The three were treated and are doing well. Officials would not name them, but say they live in Florida.

Officials believe the vaccine could be linked directly to only one case. The 39-year-old nurse developed a rash. Another person was later found to have a coronary artery blockage, and the third had an inflamed gallbladder. In the first two cases, the patients had been previously vaccinated.

CDC officials plan a survey of 10,000 people who received the vaccine, to look for reactions.

Previous Stories:

• February 25, 2003: $20M Awarded For Smallpox Vaccine Research
• January 24, 2003: Smallpox Vaccines Begin For Health Workers
• January 22, 2003: Smallpox Vaccine Distributed To States
• January 17, 2003: Panel Urges Clear Smallpox Vaccine Warnings

Copyright 2003 by NewsNet5.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.