Smallpox Vaccination: Implementation of National Program Faces Challenges
Abstract
Implementation of the smallpox vaccination program has proceeded more slowly than CDC planned. Vaccinations are to be given to volunteers in two stages. CDCs nationwide target for the first stage was an estimated 500,000health workers in 30 days. The number of health workers was based on the jurisdictions combined targets for their Smallpox Response Teams. In the second stage, CDC plans to expand the program to as many as 10 million additional health workers and other emergency response personnel. On the official start date of vaccination, January 24, 2003, only one state began vaccinating. CDC reports that by week 10 (April 4, 2003) about 6 percent of the number of volunteers targeted for the first stage had been vaccinated. Eight states accounted for about half of the vaccinees. Because of the slow pace, not enough data were generated by week 10 to evaluate whether the program is proceeding as safely as possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- AD1180731
Entities
People
- Marcia G. Crosse
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office