[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 50 (Monday, December 16, 2002)]
[Pages 2162-2164]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 were 
children. By 1972, the risk of smallpox was so

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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.

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

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