Because President Bush plans to start vaccinating military personnel against smallpox disease, some people at Ohio State may have to receive this risky vaccination.
OSU’s ROTC program has not yet been notified whether they will be ordered to be vaccinated or not.
“We have received no guidance on this issue,” said Captain Richard Uyak.
Uyak said because the ROTC is near the bottom of the military ranks, it will be one of the last to know.
The vaccine may be only for those who are on active duty, Uyak said.
The president intends to vaccinate many health-care workers in large hospitals around the country, said Dr. Julie Mangino, associate professor of clinical internal medicine.
“This would provide most communities with a group of immunized health-care workers who would be able to take care of any possible smallpox patients, should the need arise,” Mangino said.
According to the Legal Consumer Guide, only half of the United States’ population has been vaccinated against smallpox.
The guide explains the vaccine is considered to be very safe, except to those who have had pre-existing conditions. These conditions may include either eczema or immune system disorders. Those with these disorders may experience side effects as mild as a rash and — although rarely — as severe as fatal encephalitis if they are vaccinated with the smallpox vaccination.
Other side effects of the vaccine include fevers, swollen lymph nodes and soreness on the arm where the vaccine is administered.
Mangino said those who were vaccinated in the past would be least likely to have other side effects.
