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IL Smallpox Vaccinations Will Resume Wednesday

St. Louis Public Radio
Published April 22, 2003 at 9:20 a.m. CDT
The smallpox vaccine
(Reuters File Photo)
The smallpox vaccine

By AP/KWMU

Springfield, ILL. – Illinois will resume smallpox vaccinations Wednesday with new warnings.

The state suspended the shots last month after seven people developed heart problems after being vaccinated. Illinois' public health department will now advise those who have had a major coronary problem like a heart attack, or who have a number of risk factors like cholesterol or diabetes, not to get the shot.

Illinois health officials have so far vaccinated 118 health care workers who might be the first to respond to a bioterrorist attack.

They hope to reach 4,000-6,000.

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