This web site is currently being upgraded for an improved user experience. Several web pages will continue to retain the former user interface during this transition period.

PR-02/26/2003: San Mateo County Health Department Begins Smallpox Vaccinations

Printer Friendly View

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2003 printer friendly version  San Mateo County Health Services Agency Contact: Beverly Thames, (650) 573-3935 SAN MATEO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEGINS SMALLPOX VACCINATIONS Vaccination of Healthcare Workers Marks First Phase of National Preparedness Plan San Mateo, CA - The San Mateo County Health Services Agency today began vaccinating local healthcare workers against smallpox, a deadly disease. This action is part of a national effort involving local, state and federal governments to protect the public against the potential threat of smallpox being used as a weapon of terror.   Dr. Susan Ehrlich vaccinates San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow. In coordination with the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), San Mateo County developed a plan to offer the vaccine to several hundred local healthcare workers and other medical professionals who volunteered to be members of smallpox rapid response teams. These teams will be responsible for providing medical care, disease investigation and vaccinating additional health care workers in the event of a smallpox outbreak. The first designated members of these teams began receiving the vaccine today after being provided extensive information on conditions that increase the health risks associated with the vaccine. "We are starting a voluntary smallpox vaccination program for healthcare workers today, not because we believe an intentional release of smallpox is imminent, or even likely," said Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. "We are doing it because it is important that we be prepared even for unlikely events. This vaccination program is just one small part of our overall preparedness effort." Smallpox vaccinations are being offered to healthcare workers on a strictly voluntary basis. The department has already conducted training sessions with vaccinators and healthcare workers to educate them about the smallpox virus as well as the smallpox vaccine and its associated health risks. Vaccination is not recommended for the general public at this time. For more information about smallpox in English and Spanish, please visit www.dhs.ca.gov , or call the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Safety Information and Referral Line at (800) 550-5234, TTY (800) 550-5281. For more information about San Mateo County smallpox vaccination plan, please contact Beverly Thames at (650) 573-3935. # # #