The second phase of the state smallpox vaccination program is underway, with about 250 people scheduled to be inoculated. Jeffrey Crandall oversaw some of the vaccinations at Waterloo’s Allen Hospital Tuesday. He says the people being vaccinated would be taking care of one to two smallpox victims for one to two days, and include physicians, nurses, people who handle laundry, and others who may come into contact with smallpox victims. Crandall is the chief medical officer at the hospital and says these vaccinations will provide enough protection so there’s no need to vaccinate the general public.He says there’s a three-day window once an exposure to smallpox occurs, so a person could be vaccinated and avoid the disease. Tim Horrigan is a family practice doctor from Evansdale who got his vaccination in Waterloo Tuesday. He says he believes part of his job is not only taking care of individuals, but also the public. Horrigan says he read all the material on the vaccinations and felt he should go ahead and be ready to help others if needed. State Health officials will fan out across the state in the coming months to vaccinate 800 more health care workers who will staff the 15 regional smallpox response centers.
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