I confirmed it == they don’t vaccinate against smallpox anymore.
From the CDC website:
“Routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. Until recently, the U.S. government provided the vaccine only to a few hundred scientists and medical professionals working with smallpox and similar viruses in a research setting.
After the events of September and October, 2001, however, the U.S. government took further actions to improve its level of preparedness against terrorism. One of many such measures—designed specifically to prepare for an intentional release of the smallpox virus—included updating and releasing a smallpox response plan. In addition, the U.S. government has enough vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States in the event of a smallpox emergency. “
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/facts.asp
My grandfather survived smallpox at age three in 1902. My father survived a ruptured appendix before antibiotics.
Unfortunately, I was left in a semi-stupor after contracting the Hong Kong flu in 1968, only coming to my full senses in time for the Clinton years.
What a disappointment.
And now Obama! I am a greeter at Wal-Mart and shake each hand and hope to get the flu again to end this mental anguish which so beguiles me.