Many epidemiologists favor CDC smallpox plan
Many epidemiologists favor CDC smallpox plan
APIC surveying ICPs for their view
A recent national survey of hospital epidemiologists found that 56% support the government’s plan to vaccinate volunteer teams of health care workers. The survey was e-mailed to approximately 1,000 members of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). A total of 198 (20%) completed the survey. Overall, 111 (56%) supported the plan to vaccinate, and 53 (27%) were opposed. Thirty-four (17%) respondents were undecided.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is conducting a similar survey of its members. "Although the smallpox pre-event vaccination program has been implemented in some areas, we feel this survey is still relevant and will provide the organization and membership with credible and useful data," APIC stated on its web site. "Many questions dealing with President Bush’s plan remain unanswered, and organizations like ours are struggling with issues raised by those questions."
With permission, APIC has obtained the SHEA survey and added three questions specific to infection control professionals. To fill out the survey, go to www.apic.org.