Smallpox Vaccination Returns

The decision to offer smallpox vaccine at this time (Dec. 12, 13) is clearly a wise one. The only effective place to store any vaccine is within the population. We should not depend upon a delivery system (especially in an emergency) that must transport, within four days, smallpox vaccine from its storage depot to qualified personnel for proper administration to the mass population.

In addition, and in response to the controversy, by vaccinating the public before an act of terrorism, we will be able to do so selectively, reducing the risk of vaccinating those who would be at high risk for complications from the vaccine.

Burton Sokoloff MD

Tarzana

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Does anyone know whether the Iraqis, and indeed Saddam Hussein himself, have been vaccinated against smallpox or have an available vaccine for their population? For if they have not taken these steps, then the release of smallpox anywhere in the world is likely to devastate their population. Epidemics are impossible to contain in this well-traveled world. If they have not been vaccinated and do not have a tested vaccine, then the release of smallpox would be stupid indeed for them -- and raises the question of whether vaccinating our population is warranted.

Stanley Marcus MD

Encino

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Smallpox is much in the news these days. It is interesting to note that naturally occurring smallpox virus has been eradicated since 1980. This horrible scourge of mankind, which decimated countless societies in the past, was finally conquered through international efforts to vaccinate the world’s population. Question: What sick, political minds in this country and in Russia conspired to keep this pox alive? And to what end, other than to threaten society with biowarfare no matter how horrific its outcome, and thereby resurrect an ancient plague?

Why do officials at the United Nations and the World Health Organization allow this to happen?

Albert A. Trunk MD

Los Angeles