It is easy to say that biological warfare cannot affect us. As Minneostans, we are in the middle of the nation, and easily feel protected because of our location. However, President Bush has sent out a message to all Americans encouraging them to be prepared for biological warfare. The President called for all states to determine a plan to initiate homeland security. President Bush reminded Americans that we don’t want to be caught off guard in another Sept. 11 related event. Central Minnesota is responding to his call. For the last month, Public Health Agencies of Central Minnesota have sponsored smallpox vaccination clinics. Area counties including Stearns, and Wright, were involved with this event. “We are in Phase I right now, which is focusing on immunizing public health officials and hospital workers,” stated Vonna Henry, the public health director for Sherburne county and the regional spokesperson on smallpox. Once health officials receive the vaccination, they can staff hospitals and help civilians if an outbreak occurs. Mike Matanich, bio-terrorism public health coordinator of Stearns County said that he is please with the numbers of people who are being vaccinated. “The numbers we are vaccinating will prepare us [to deal with a possible outbreak]. Henry said, “We are very pleased [with the participation numbers], we truly think that we will have enough people to cover the 14 county area. We are looking at this as a regional effort.” “Workers won’t be restricted to serve in their county, they will be used wherever they are needed,” said Matanich. The process “The smallpox vaccination clinic is similar to other vaccinations that public health gives,” said Henry. First, participants are given a pre-vaccination packet to read. At the site, the volunteers are pre-screened and asked questions about any allergies they have. Next, the participants watch a video about the vaccine. “[During the process], workers fill out the vaccination forms, administer the shot and apply a dressing.” stated Henry. Henry also explained that the smallpox vaccination leaves a blister after it is injected. “This is good news because we can see the reaction to the shot and know that antibodies were formed.” It also means that the site needs to be taken care of after the injection “The major difference between this clinic and others we offer, is that there is an exit interview with our patients where they are given instruction on vaccination site care,” said Henry. This instruction helps prevent accidental transmission of the vaccination to others. The vaccination According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the vaccine is made up of the vaccinia virus. This virus is related to smallpox which allows the body to build up an immunity to the disease. Once a person is vaccinated, the immunity should last three to five years. If a person decides to be vaccinated again, the immunity will last longer. The disease Smallpox is a contagious disease that can be fatal. It is spread by prolonged face to face contact. It can cause a severe rash, high fever, severe diarrhea, body aches and blindness in some survivors. The disease kills about 30 percent of the people it infects. Vaccination is a precautionary measure Matanich wanted to make it clear that local citizens “do not need to be worried at this time. We have our county plan in place and there is no need to be concerned [about getting your own vaccination]. U.S. Health and Human Services also said that there the federal government is not recommending the general public to be vaccinated. There is no information that a biological attack is imminent and no need to be vaccinated at this time.
