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Vaccination Information
Smallpox and immunizations continue to be major topics of discussion. The resources listed below are designed to help nurses locate and disseminate the latest information on these very important subjects.

News
Posted: April 14
Read ANA's comments about the recent Congressional smallpox compensation agreement.

Posted: April 4
Indiana suspends smallpox vaccinations. Details

Posted: March 27
In a press release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added "temporary medical deferral to the smallpox vaccination program for persons who have been diagnosed with heart disease."  The CDC is recommending that individuals with a history of cardiac problems not be vaccinated.

This follows after a Maryland nurse, who recently received the vaccine, died of a heart attack.  In addition to the Maryland nurse, six other vaccinated individuals have experienced cardiac-related complications.  Most of the individuals with this complication, including the Maryland nurse who died, have some cardiac history. 

While to date, there is not known linkage between the smallpox vaccination and cardiac problems, the CDC is investigating whether such link might exist.  Attached is the CDC's press release announcing the temporary medical deferral.

ANA is monitoring this situation closely and will continue to provide you with updated information. 

HHS Secretary signs Vaccination Declaration
As required by the Homeland Security Act, HHS Secretary Thompson on Friday (1/24/03) signed a declaration to begin the smallpox vaccination program. The document outlines reasons for the program and specific actions to be taken. According to the HHS press release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have delivered vaccine to Connecticut, Nebraska, Vermont and Los Angeles County.

List Serves and Web Sites
INNPOWER (Immunization Nursing Network Provider Outreach Web Education and Resources) is a newsletter that is distributed at no charge through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This project, sponsored by the American Nurses Foundation, is targeted to increase the knowledge and awareness of nurses about immunizations over the life span. Newsletters are sent every one to two weeks and will provide the latest immunization news, resources, upcoming events, meetings, conferences, etc. To subscribe, send an email to fdili@ana.org.

American Nursing Association's web site has many smallpox resources.

Immunization Action Coalition's web site has many resources for the professional and the general public.

Decision-Making Materials
NursingWorld.org has smallpox information and resources - including a checklist and decision-making tree designed to help registered nurses think through the information and questions they should consider prior to making a decision on whether to receive the smallpox vaccine.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released its report: "Review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Smallpox Vaccination Program Implementation, Letter Report #1." This report includes 23 substantive recommendations with regard to the current implementation plans for smallpox vaccination. ANA has prepared a PDF document that reviews the IOM recommendations and speaks to ANA's policy recommendations that are in concert with IOM.

Position Statements
ANA's position on smallpox vaccinations.