MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG RECEIVES SMALLPOX VACCINE

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today, as part of the City’s ongoing public health emergency preparedness efforts, participated in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene voluntary smallpox vaccination program.  The Mayor received his vaccination this morning at City Hall.  Five Health Department workers and the Mayor received the vaccination, which has not been routinely administered in New York City since 1972 after naturally occurring smallpox was eradicated.  There are currently no plans to offer vaccination to the general public. 

“Even though we are not requiring any City employees to receive a small pox vaccination, many potential first responders will choose to do so, and I don’t want them to take any risks that I would not take myself,” said Mayor Bloomberg.   “We are taking every conceivable precaution to protect the people of this City and we want them to feel assured, not alarmed, as we continue to increase our ability to respond any possible threat.”

“Over the past several months, we have worked intensively with local health and safety workers to prepare for the possibility of a bioterrorist event,” said Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden.  “This vaccination program is an important step in our preparedness efforts and once again emphasizes the link between public health and public safety.  Those vaccinated today and those who will be vaccinated in the coming weeks and months are volunteering to perform critical tasks if a smallpox outbreak were to occur, including caring for and investigating any smallpox cases.  For most people, the vaccine is safe.  However, as there are risks associated with taking the smallpox vaccine, we will closely monitor the condition of everyone vaccinated.” 

In the coming weeks and months, other public health, public safety and health care workers will also be vaccinated.  By the end of May, between 5,000 and 10,000 health and safety workers will have been vaccinated.  City workers who receive vaccinations will be monitored closely to make sure that the vaccination was successful, and to look for any adverse effects. 

A photo of Mayor Bloomberg receiving the vaccination can be downloaded at www.nyc.gov/photowire.