Smallpox Home

Press Release

For Immediate Release

March 31, 2003
Contact: CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

CDC Accepts ACIP's Recommendations for Additional Exclusion Criteria for Smallpox Vaccination Program

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held a special meeting by conference call on Friday, March 28, 2003, to make recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding cases of cardiac adverse events that have been reported following smallpox vaccination.

The ACIP recommended that persons be excluded from the pre-event smallpox vaccination program who have known underlying heart disease, with or without symptoms, or if they have three or more known major cardiac risk factors -- hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and smoking.

Today, CDC informed states that the agency has accepted the ACIP’s recommendations and that the vaccination program will continue. CDC has distributed revised pre-vaccination clinic education materials which reflect the new exclusion criteria.

# # #

CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Media Home Page | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last updated March 31, 2003
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/r030331.htm

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Communication
Division of Media Relations