Heart Patients Warned About Smallpox Vaccine

Report: Smallpox Program Hampered By Lack Of Compensation

WASHINGTON -- A second health care worker has died of a heart attack after receiving the smallpox vaccine.

A federal health official said a 57-year-old Florida woman suffered a heart attack about 17 days after inoculation. But the official said the woman had a history of high blood pressure and other risks for heart problems before the vaccination.

A 50-year-old Maryland woman who died and another woman who survived a heart attack also had risk factors.

Officials are investigating a total of seven cases of heart trouble in people who received the vaccine. All of the people had chest pain six to 12 days after they received the vaccine.

Health investigators are trying to find whether something in the vaccine could trigger heart problems in people with risk factors. Federal officials say people with a history of heart disease should not be vaccinated until the investigation is complete.

Meanwhile, researchers say the success of the smallpox vaccination program hinges on government compensation for people sickened by vaccinations.

Scientists with the Institute of Medicine, which advises the federal government, said there are many reasons for the slow pace of vaccinations. But their report said the program can't be fully implemented until the compensation problem is fixed.

Illnesses as a result of vaccination have been rare, but the federal government has no extra funds for people who get sick. Varying proposals are competing in Congress.

Under Bush's proposed plan, the government would pay more than $250,000 for each person who dies or is permanently and totally disabled by the vaccine. Those less severely injured could receive up to $50,000 -- plus medical expenses.

The compensation plan would not cover the general public since it is not recommended that they receive the vaccine.

The report also says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should measure their smallpox preparedness by how effectively their medical personnel and other emergency responders are coordinated -- not solely by the number of workers who have been vaccinated.

Full Report

Previous Stories:

• March 26, 2003: Heart Death In Smallpox Vaccine Recipient Probed
• March 25, 2003: Patients At Risk From Health Workers' Vaccines
• March 6, 2003: Government Proposes Smallpox Compensation Plan

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