Safety

Health care workers not liable for smallpox vaccine side effects

Hospital Safety Connection, January 17, 2003

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The Bush administration says health care workers or others vaccinated against smallpox who accidentally infect patients would not be liable for damages, the Associated Press reports.

With smallpox vaccinations scheduled to begin this month, the administration moved to legally protect hospitals and health care workers who will vaccinate others. The vaccine can cause serious reactions in those who receive the shot and in people with whom they come into close contact.

The Bush administration position provides little recourse for patients who are injured unless negligence was involved, a fact that could cause people to refuse vaccinations. The Department of Health and Human Services expects vaccinations of health care workers and others to begin January 24, when the liability provisions take effect.



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