Dennis A. Wolford, Administrator Macon County General Hospital, announced today that MCGH was delaying its participation in the Smallpox Vaccination Program until Congress adds a smallpox vaccine injury compensation plan to the Homeland Security Act.

Wolford stated that MCGH had been working with the Tennessee Department of Health in preparation for the smallpox vaccination program with 19 physicians, nurses and other hospital personnel volunteering to participate.

"After reviewing data supplied by the CDC and Tennessee Health Department," Wolford wrote in the press release, "our comfort level improved regarding the possibility of a reaction to the vaccine. However, even a one in a million chance of a catastrophic reaction to the vaccine caused concern. After checking with our group health program for our employees I learned that they would not be covered by our insurance in the event of a major or catastrophic reaction to the vaccine. On Monday, February 3, 2003, I got a response from our Workers Compensation carrier regarding whether our employees would be covered. The answer I got was "maybe" and would be evaluated on a case by case basis."

Wolford commented that he, in good faith, could not ask his employees to volunteer to participate in the program knowing that they may not be covered by insurance in the event of a major or catastrophic reaction to the vaccine.

"It is my understanding," Wolford continued, "that Congress is proposing to add an additional $750 million to the current vaccine injury compensation program for those injured by the vaccine."

"Once this is passed and our employees are adequately covered in the event of a major or catastrophic reaction to the vaccine, I will recommend to our employees to then proceed with the vaccination process," Wolford said.

It should be noted that Macon County General Hospital's position on the pre-event vaccination program in no way affects the efforts currently underway in recruiting volunteers for the post event vaccination program in Macon County. The hospital will continue to participate in the post event planning with the Tennessee Department of Health.