CTVIA Calls for Smallpox Vaccination Compensation Fund

The Connecticut Vaccine Information Alliance (CTVIA) is an information advocacy organization that focuses on individual rights to full informed consent regarding vaccines and vaccine policies. CTVIA believes that education, full informed consent and careful screening for individuals at risk for vaccine adverse reactions should be an integral part of the vaccination process.

CTVIA is pleased that Phase I of the current smallpox vaccination plan affords health care workers choice in whether or not they wish to receive the smallpox vaccine. CTVIA is also happy to see a screening process put into place in order to screen out those who are at an increased risk for vaccine adverse reactions.

However, CTVIA shares deep concerns with many health care organizations who are concerned that there is no compensation fund for those individuals who will suffer a vaccine reaction. Provisions in the Homeland Security Act absolve both pharmaceutical companies and those administering the vaccine from liability, yet those receiving the smallpox vaccine have no guaranteed financial assistance should they experience a reaction.

It is CTVIA's position that continued smallpox vaccination must include provisions for informed voluntary consent and careful screening, and that a compensation fund must be established to assist those individuals who will experience a vaccine reaction.

For more info about CTVIA, call 860-231-2231, or visit <www.ctvia.org>.