MEMORANDUM
February 24, 2004
To: First Responders and Health Care Personnel
Subject: Continuation of the South Carolina Pre-event Smallpox Vaccination Program
On 21 January 2004, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) extended the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act (SEPPA) until 23 January 2005. Through this act, DHHS will continue to provide benefits and/or compensation to certain persons who have sustained injuries as a result of the administration of smallpox countermeasures including the smallpox vaccine. Therefore, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is continuing to offer smallpox vaccinations as part of our overall preparedness efforts. Individuals who are identified as potentially being involved in a response to smallpox include:
- Health care workers who may be called upon to monitor or treat persons with smallpox,
- Any person who is a member of a public health smallpox response team or teams identified by state agencies who would respond,
- Public safety personnel, including but not limited to, law enforcement officers, firefighters, security, and emergency medical personnel.
The goal of the pre-event smallpox vaccination program is to prepare individuals and teams to assist in responding to a smallpox case or outbreak. South Carolina needs teams of healthcare providers and first responders to be vaccinated so we can help control a smallpox outbreak, which would involve quickly vaccinating people who have been exposed to the disease. It is not being offered to the general public at this time.
This is strictly a voluntary program. Individuals, who do not receive the vaccination, whether by personal choice or medical exclusion, will be able to perform normal job functions in the event of an emergency response. Proper personal protective equipment will still be required when transporting or responding to a known or suspected case of smallpox, regardless of vaccination status. A smallpox vaccination is not a “magic shield” that will protect you against all biological agents.
Those individuals who are still considering participating in the smallpox response program and would like additional information should call their county public health department using the contact list in the enclosed brochure. Thank you for your continued consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniel Drociuk, Director
Bioterrorism Surveillance and Response Program