For Immediate Release
Friday, April 11, 2003
Smallpox Vaccination Compromise Offers Some Improvement
Statement by AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee
While the compromise reached by Congress on the smallpox vaccination plan is an improvement over the administration's woefully inadequate plan, there are still many problems with it. Some compensation will now be guaranteed to health care workers who become disabled as after receiving the vaccine, but benefits are limited and not guaranteed.
Because of the continued health risks associated with the vaccination, health care workers should be thoroughly educated about the hazards of the smallpox vaccine and the compensation that may or may not be available to them in the event of adverse side effects.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, is the nation's largest public service employees and health care workers union with 1.3 million members.
