HAN

Monday, September 23, 2002, 11:54 EDT (11:54 AM EDT)CDCHAN-00101-2002-09-23-ALT-SThe Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing today an updated version of the post-event Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines. This is the third revision to these guidelines since they were released in November 2001.This version contains an important addition to our smallpox preparedness efforts-a comprehensive annex titled "Smallpox Vaccination Clinic Guide." This new section describes the operational and logistical considerations associated with implementing a large-scale voluntary vaccination program in response to a confirmed smallpox outbreak. The clinic guide has been in development for several months with state and other healthcare partners.The "Smallpox Vaccination Clinic Guide" is designed to facilitate and strengthen the ability of state and local officials to quickly and effectively implement large-scale vaccination clinics in response to a smallpox outbreak.Following a confirmed smallpox outbreak, rapid voluntary vaccination of a large population may be required to: 1) supplement priority surveillance and containment control strategies in areas with smallpox cases, 2) reduce the "at-risk" population for additional intentional releases of smallpox virus if the probability of such occurrences is considered significant, or 3) address heightened public or political concerns regarding access to voluntary vaccination. The clinic guide was posted to w ww.cdc.gov earlier today.The CDC will be holding a media teleconference today at 12 noon (Eastern time) to discuss the latest version of the Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines, including the clinic guide. The details are provided below. Thisteleconference will also be audio webcast. You are invited to listen to the teleconference LIVE online at www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media.2002Smallpox Preparedness, 2002VirusVariolaVaccini