[templar]

The death rate from the vaccine is one to two people per million

I wonder how this was determined. Vaccinated at least a million people in a study?

[bonesmccoy]

It's based on previous experience with DryVax by Wyeth during the 1970's. Some are concerned that immunocompromised people (i.e. AIDS patients) could contract fatal complications if given DryVax. Because HIV was not around at the time the DryVax was originally used, there is uncertainty regarding the risk. However, these risks are similar to existing risks related to the other live virus vaccines we use (though admittedly, higher risk with DryVax). Still, since the enemy has small pox biological weapons (according to FAS.org and other sources), the vaccine must be distributed in order to comply with the federal gov'ts role to "provide for common defense and promote the general welfare".