The Scottish Government

Next »

Listen

Smallpox vaccination of Regional Response Groups

This document is also available in pdf format (1.3MB)

Dear Colleague,

Smallpox Vaccination Pack for Scottish Response Group(s)

Currently there is no evidence of a specific threat of a deliberate release of smallpox on the UK. However, as part of the UK's preparation for response against a deliberate release of a biological agent, the UK Secretary of State for Health announced early in December 2002 the intention to undertake a smallpox vaccination programme of a small cohort of healthcare workers. These would be responsible for providing the initial response to a smallpox emergency.

On a voluntary basis, members of the regional response groups will be protected by vaccination in advance, to allow them to react quickly and work safely with patients with actual or suspected smallpox.

This Vaccination Pack is for those considering being members of the Scottish response group(s). It has been developed specifically for non-emergency vaccination of a cohort of first-responder health care workers and is different to that which would be used in any vaccination programme in the event of a deliberate release. It contains information for both vaccinators and vaccinees and includes details of pre-vaccination screening, vaccine administration and subsequent care of the vaccination site.

Please take time to familiarise yourself with this important information.

We are grateful for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Elizabeth Stewart

SEHD

Smallpox vaccination ofRegional Response Groups

Information for health care workers administering or receiving the smallpox vaccine

This pack contains information for all health care professionals involved in the first tranche of smallpox vaccinations.

The pack contains information and practical tools needed by vaccinators and vaccinees to carry out vaccinations and ensure optimal follow-up.

Contents

Administering the smallpox vaccine - what you need to know

• Administering the vaccine: key facts for occupational health departments and vaccinators

• Vaccine tracking form

• WHO guidelines for assessing reaction following smallpox vaccination

• Complications of smallpox vaccination

• Treatment of complications of smallpox vaccination

• Smallpox vaccine: supply and distribution in Scotland

Receiving the smallpox vaccine - what you need to know

• Volunteering for the smallpox vaccine: key facts

• Indemnity/compensation information

• Compensation scheme

• Consent form for vaccination

• Patient information leaflet - dried smallpox vaccine

• Further information

Next »