Third Heart Death Raises Smallpox Vaccine Concerns

Authorities Advise Heart Patients To Avoid Vaccine

The government has reported that a third person has died of a heart attack after getting a smallpox vaccination.

The Pentagon says the latest death is that of a 55-year-old National Guardsman. The two previous deaths had been civilian women. Officials say all had pre-existing indications of heart disease.

Researchers are trying to tell if the vaccine contributed to the deaths or whether the deaths were unrelated. In the meantime, authorities do not want people with heart disease to get vaccinated.

Between Jan. 24 and March 21, the smallpox vaccine was administered to more than 25,000 people, according to Dr. Walter Orenstein, head of the National Immunization Program.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge anyone who has been vaccinated to seek medical attention immediately if they develop any symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

Previous Stories:

• March 27, 2003: Heart Patients Warned About Smallpox Vaccine
• 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
• February 28, 2003: Officials Look Into Smallpox Vaccine Side Effects

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