• Assessment of the adequacy of the screening materials, based on experiences during the first phase;

• Assessment of the adequacy of the informed consent materials (particularly the information provided to vaccinees on the relation of risks to benefits and the range of possibilities for adverse reactions), based on experiences during the first phase;

• Assessment of secondary transmission to contacts, including an assessment of site care guidance and vaccinee’s adherence to that guidance;

• Occupational safety issues, particularly related to bifurcated needles;

• A review of the organization and function of the DSMB; and

• Prioritization of recommendations, recognizing that multiple demands may be necessary and some of the committee’s recommendations require resources.

In closing, the committee wishes to thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it implements this important vaccination program. We look forward to finding out how the committee can help CDC address other program components as it works with state and local partners to move forward with implementation.

Brian L. Strom, Committee Chair

Kristine M. Gebbie, Committee Vice Chair

Robert B. Wallace, Committee Vice Chair

Committee on Smallpox Vaccination Program Implementation

AHA (American Hospital Association). 2002. Statement to the IOM’s Committtee on Smallpox Vaccination Program Implementation on December 19, 2002. Notes: Statement presented by Roslyne Schulman (Senior Associate Director for Policy Development, American Hospital Association).

Altman LK. 2002, December 10. Health Care Workers Union Wary of Smallpox Vaccinations. New York Times, A23.

Altman LK, O’Connor A. 2003, January 5. Health Officials Fear Local Impact of Smallpox Plan. New York Times, A1.

ANA (American Nurses Association). Statement to the IOM’s Committee on Smallpox Vaccination Program Implementation on December 19, 2002. Notes: Statement presented by Cheryl Peterson (Senior Policy Analyst, American Nurses Association).

Associated Press. 2003, January 2. Texas Official Wants Delay in Smallpox Vaccinations. Amarillo Globe-News.

Blendon RJ, DesRoches CM, Benson JM, Herrmann MJ, Taylor-Clark K, Weldon KJ. 2003. The public and the smallpox threat. New England Journal of Medicine 348(5):1-7.