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In The Spotlight:

• 7.2.2002: Smallpox Vaccine Would Now be Fatal for Many People whose Immune System is Weakened by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  It is crucial to underline the seriousness of bioterrorism, especially in the case of smallpox, since according to the World Health Organization,  vaccination would be contraindicated for certain groups that include persons with immune disorders or those experiencing therapeutically-induced immunosuppression, persons with HIV infection, and persons with a history of eczema. This accounts for approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population (approximately 70 million) that would be excluded from vaccination because of high risk (or the possibility of coming in contact with a high-risk individual) would be vulnerable in a smallpox outbreak. If this statistical analysis is applied globally, at risk populations encompass hundreds of millions worldwide. These issues have once again drawn international attention to the importance of the Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention as a crucial legal instrument in the global war against terrorism. 

• CDC Smallpox News: Emergency Preparedness and Response Efforts Includes bioterrorism preparations and Draft Supplemental Recommendations Updated June 20, 2002
• CDC Interim Smallpox Response Plan & Guidelines 
• CONPLAN: U.S. Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan
• JAMA: Smallpox as a Biological Weapon: Consensus-based recommendations for measures to be taken by medical and public health professionals.
• World Health Organization Announces Updated Guidance on Smallpox Vaccination  26 October 2001 | Should an outbreak of smallpox be detected in any country, this should be considered an international emergency. WHO will help countries to pool available resources so as to contain the disease as rapidly and effectively as possible. 
• World Health Organization announces revised guidance on smallpox vaccination  26 October 2001 | Following the review of guidance on smallpox vaccination announced last week, WHO has consulted with our advisory committee and has revised the official guidance.