President George W. Bush received a smallpox vaccination 12/21/02.
"As commander in chief, I do not believe I can ask others to accept this risk unless I am willing to do the same," President Bush had said.
However, Bush also said that his family would not receive a smallpox vaccination.
It has also been reported that the vaccine the President received was a lesser version. Essentially it was reported to be only a booster. The stated reason given was that he received a smallpox vaccination many years ago and therefore did not now need a full vaccine.
Military personnel are receiving the full smallpox vaccine.
Are you ready to get YOUR smallpox vaccination?
One same as the other?
There are limited amounts of certified smallpox vaccines. There may only be enough for the first several million receiving the vaccines.
Old smallpox vaccines have been found that have been frozen for many decades. Even these are limited in number. However, they are being heavily diluted for offering to the rest of the population after military and medical personnel have exhausted newer full-strength stocks.
Would you eat old meat that had been frozen for many decades? Folks that I know who have their own beef processed each year get rid of any frozen meat they have left from just the previous year rather than using it up first.
Newer smallpox vaccines being hurried along in development also differ from those of the past.
One of the primary sources for the new smallpox vaccines being developed is using tissue from aborted babies.
Are you ready to get YOUR smallpox vaccination?
More leading by example
Tommy Thompson heads up the federal government's Health and Human Services department.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said he does not plan to receive a smallpox vaccination. Thompson also recommends that other members in Cabinet positions under President Bush not request smallpox vaccination either.
"I do not believe it is necessary or should be taking place," Thompson said only days before President Bush received a smallpox vaccination.
Are you ready to get YOUR smallpox vaccination?
