Collin County Bioterrorism Response Team Begins Stage 1 Smallpox Vaccinations March 4, 2003
Under the guidance of the Texas Department of Health, Collin County's Bioterrorism Response Team began Stage 1 Smallpox vaccinations. The goal of Stage 1 Smallpox vaccinations is to develop a core team of key hospital and public health personnel within Collin County who would serve a vital role in the initial detection and short-term care of Smallpox patients during the initial 7-10 days of an outbreak.

Within Collin County, Bioterrorism Response Team members are vaccinating county public health professionals as well as key personnel in each of the county's major hospitals. Vaccinated county personnel would play a key role in activating the county's Smallpox Mass Vaccination Plan as well as conducting epidemiological investigations on the spread of the disease. Hospital Response Teams, comprised of vaccinated personnel, would serve as the primary short-term caregivers to Smallpox patients.

Potential vaccination candidates under went intense medical screening as well as education on the effects and risks of the Smallpox vaccinations prior to receiving their vaccinations. Vaccinations were given only on a voluntary basis.

Currently, Collin County is not providing Smallpox vaccinations to the general public.

For more information on Smallpox and Smallpox Planning, visit the Smallpox Agent Information.