    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2002]
    [Pages 2190-2192]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Smallpox Vaccination Plan
    December 13, 2002

        Good afternoon. Since our country was attacked 15 months ago,
    Americans have been forced to prepare for a variety of threats we hope
    will never come. We have stepped up security at our ports and borders.
    We've expanded our ability to detect chemical and biological threats.
    We've increased support for first-responders. We made public--made our
    public health care system better able to track and treat disease. By
    preparing at home and by pursuing enemies abroad, we're adding to the
    security of our Nation. I thank the members of my team who are here who
    are adding to the security of our Nation.
        One potential danger to America is the use of the smallpox virus as
    a weapon of terror. Smallpox is a deadly but preventable disease. Most
    Americans who are 34 or older had a smallpox vaccination when they

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    were children. By 1972, the risk of smallpox was so remote that routine
    vaccinations were discontinued in the United States. In 1980, the World
    Health Organization declared that smallpox had been completely
    eradicated, and since then, there has not been a single natural case of
    the disease anywhere in the world.
        We know, however, that the smallpox virus still exists in
    laboratories, and we believe that regimes hostile to the United States
    may possess this dangerous virus. To protect our citizens in the
    aftermath of September the 11th, we are evaluating old threats in a new
    light. Our Government has no information that a smallpox attack is
    imminent. Yet it is prudent to prepare for the possibility that
    terrorists would kill indiscriminately--who kill indiscriminately would
    use diseases as a weapon.
        Our public health agencies began preparations more than a year ago.
    Today, through the hard work of our Department of Health and Human
    Services, ably led by Tommy Thompson, and
    State and local officials, America has stockpiled enough vaccine and is
    now prepared to inoculate our entire population in the event of a
    smallpox attack. Americans and anyone who would think of harming
    Americans can be certain that this Nation is ready to respond quickly
    and effectively to a smallpox emergency or an increase in the level of
    threat.
        Today I am directing additional steps to protect the health of our
    Nation. I'm ordering that the military and other personnel who serve
    America in high-risk parts of the world receive the smallpox vaccine.
    Men and women who could be on the frontlines of a biological attack must
    be protected.
        This particular vaccine does involve a small risk of serious health
    considerations. As Commander in Chief, I do not believe I can ask others
    to accept this risk unless I am willing to do the same. Therefore I will
    receive the vaccine along with our military.
        These vaccinations are a precaution only and not a response to any
    information concerning imminent danger. Given the current level of
    threat and the inherent health risks of the vaccine, we have decided not
    to initiate a broader vaccination program for all Americans at this
    time. Neither my family nor my staff will be receiving the vaccine,
    because our health and national security experts do not believe
    vaccination is necessary for the general public.
        At present, the responsible course is to make careful and thorough
    preparations in case a broader vaccination program should become
    necessary in the future. There may be some citizens, however, who insist
    on being vaccinated now. Our public health agencies will work to
    accommodate them, but that is not our recommendation at this time.
        We do recommend vaccinations for one other group of Americans that
    could be on the frontlines of a biological attack. We will make the
    vaccine available on a voluntary basis to medical professionals and
    emergency personnel and response teams that would be the first on the
    scene in a smallpox emergency. These teams would immediately provide
    vaccine and treatment to Americans in a crisis, and to do this job
    effectively, members of these teams should be protected against the
    disease.
        I understand that many first-responders will have questions before
    deciding whether to be vaccinated. We will make sure they have the
    medical advice they need to make an informed decision. Smallpox is a
    serious disease, and we know that our enemies are trying to inflict
    serious harm. Yet there's no evidence that smallpox imminently threatens
    this country.
        We will continue taking every essential step to guard against the
    threats to our Nation, and I deeply appreciate the good efforts of State
    and local health officials who are facing difficult challenges with
    great skill. The actions we are taking together will help safeguard the
    health of our people in a measured and responsible way.
        Thank you all.

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    Note: The President spoke at 2:12 p.m. in Room 450 of the Dwight D.
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The Office of the Press Secretary
    also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.