Number: RL31960
Title: Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation
Authors: Susan Thaul, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Four and a half months after announcing his decision to vaccinate military personnel and front-line civilian health workers against smallpox, 3 months after the vaccination program officially began, and 7 weeks after Senator Gregg introduced the administration smallpox vaccine injury compensation proposal, President Bush, on April 30. 2003, signed the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-20). This report presents the reasons some Members of Congress, health care worker organizations, and others felt legislation was necessary; summarizes the range of approaches that Congress considered; and describes the smallpox vaccine injury compensation provisions Congress actually passed. Finally, it presents issues that Congress might consider if it revisits the new legislation.
Pages: 16
Date: Updated June 13, 2003