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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 20, 2002 		Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding the ACIP Recommendation on Use of the Smallpox Vaccine

"We appreciate the hard work of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in producing its recommendation. I will now review the recommendation with experts throughout the Department of Health and Human Services as the administration works toward a policy on the smallpox vaccine. We plan to move as expeditiously as possible so that we have a policy in place as more vaccine becomes available later this year, and as we continue to make sure America is properly prepared for any eventuality that may arise regarding bioterrorism.

"While the threat of a smallpox attack is believed to be low, it is indeed possible, and unfortunately we now live in a world where we need to be prepared for the possibility of such a biological attack. As part of that preparedness, we expect to have in stock by the end of this year enough smallpox vaccine for every American should it ever be needed."

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

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