Physicians Demand Public Debate on Smallpox Vaccination

wa. One of the most reknown medical journals of the world, the New England Journal of Medicine, devoted one complete edition to the bio-weapon threat, in particular the smallpox virus. In numerous articles reputable scientists urgently demand an immediate open and honest discussion about the issue of smallpox vaccination. Anthony S. Fauci, of the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed in his article the vaccination strategies that are being proposed by political circles at the moment.

Fauci points out the dangers resulting from various biological weapons. He emphasizes, however, that smallpox presents a particular danger because of its high contamination and death rate and because of its already proven potential to completely eradicate certain population groups. 40 years ago an attack with smallpox would not have meant such a threat, since the major part of the population had been made immune thanks to a comprehensive vaccination programme. The eradication of the disease and the vaccination stop that followed was a great triumph at the time, but is now increasingly developing into a serious problem. Although today we know a lot more about the side-effects that were then observed, the decision to no longer vaccinate has to be reconsidered in the face of the realistic threat of a smallpox attack.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention CDC only recently updated its reaction plan for a smallpox attack. That whole plan, however, is based on the old ring vaccination strategy, which meant after the first smallpox infection occurred the first degree and secondary degree contact persons had to be found and vaccinated. At the time of the eradication programme such ring vaccinations may well have been successful immediately after the outbreak of the disease since the population was well immunized.

Today, however, a bio-terrorist attack could render the plans and capacities of the CDC and the local health authorities completely ineffective. Taking into account the change in the risk potential today, numerous experts have reached the conclusion that vaccinations have to take place before any expected attack. Only a population that is protected against such an attack can reduce the danger potential of such a smallpox attack.

Fauci in his contribution to the NEJM outlines the official position of the CDC. He points out, however, that many citizens are not satisfied with this official view. The population has to get to know the arguments of both sides in order to be able to have an objective and honest discussion. Nothing less than their health and their lives are at stake!

Even if the official CDC-plan does not intend a pre-exposition vaccination, many people are demanding that they be allowed to make a free decision about their lives and bodies. This, according to Fauci, is an understandable desire. That is why Fauci demands a discussion not only about the advantages and disadvantages of a pre-exposition vaccination, but also a discussion about the incontestability of the CDC strategy-plan.