Physicians Worried About Smallpox Vaccine

Nov. 5 -- A new report suggesting that more nations have stored the smallpox virus than previously thought has many physicians worried — but it is the possible solution that scares them more than the threat.

"For the last six months, administration officials have been secretly briefed about which nations are likely to possess covert stocks of smallpox, and what should be done about it," said ABCNEWS correspondent Martha Raddatz.

According to U.S. officials, North Korea, Russia, Iraq and France have stored the deadly virus. Because of the possibility of war, Iraq is seen as the biggest threat.

This revelation has awakened fresh fears that the virus could be used as a biological weapon against the United States if it fell into the hands of terrorist groups like al Qaeda, and brings the much-debated issue of mass vaccination into sharper focus.

Yet despite the possibility of increased risk of widespread smallpox infection, many doctors and health organizations firmly maintain their concerns about the dangers associated with the only way to prevent infection: the smallpox vaccine.

Among the organizations in opposition to a mass vaccination program are the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, who support the government's current approach to smallpox prevention, known as ring vaccination.

Under the ring vaccination strategy, only those who have been infected or come into contact with an infected person receive the vaccine.

Not for Everyone

It is the risk of serious and even fatal complications associated with the smallpox vaccine that gives so many physicians reason for concern at the idea that it could be given to everyone.

"The smallpox vaccine is not benign. It has serious inherent risks involved," said Dr. Carolyn Eaton, a family physician from Palacios, Texas.

Among those risks are allergic reactions to the vaccine and spread of vaccine virus to others who have not been inoculated. Those with compromised immunity — such as those with HIV or leukemia — and those with skin conditions like eczema are at greatest risk of having severe reactions.