This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

News Release

STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Secretary of Health and Human Services
On Senator Judd Gregg's Smallpox Vaccination Compensation Legislation

Smallpox is a disease that is very contagious and can spread rapidly, so it is important to have medical response teams prepared to respond and protect the American people should an outbreak occur. By preparing our emergency responders and giving them assistance through a compensation program, we will be better able to protect the American people.

We appreciate Senator Gregg's leadership in forwarding this legislation that would provide compensation to those injured as a result of receiving smallpox vaccination. We look forward to working with Senator Gregg and all those wishing to see this legislation passed. I also commend all of the public health and medical response team members who have already volunteered to be vaccinated against smallpox.

###

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

Last Revised: March 13, 2003