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The Threat Of Smallpox: Eradicated But Not Erased: A Review Of The Fiscal, Logistical And Legal Obstacles Impacting The Phase I Vaccination Program, Holly L. Myers, Elin Gursky, Georges C. Benjamin, Christopher Gozdor, Michael Greenberger

Faculty Scholarship

Fears that terrorists may have the capabilities and intent to disseminate a variety of biologic agents has once again brought smallpox into the American consciousness. On December 13, 2002, recognizing that the global discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination over two decades ago had left most Americans unprotected and vulnerable to the ravaging effects of the virus, the President announced a precautionary measure to begin vaccinating teams of emergency responders. The program commenced January 24, 2003. In the ensuing months, public health departments scrambled to meet the goal of vaccinating approximately 500,000 first responders, a protected phalanx that could quickly and …