Germany orders 30 million more smallpox vaccine shots

Agence France-Presse | 2/08/03

[kattracks]

Germany has ordered 30 million doses of smallpox vaccine, almost doubling its stocks in case of a terrorist attack, the health ministry announced.

The new order will bring the number of smallpox vaccine shots available in the country to 66 million. Germany has a population of some 82 million people.

In January Health Minister Ulla Schmidt that by the end of the year Germany would build up its stock of smallpox vaccine to 100 million shots, more than enough to cover the entire population.

However, Schmidt insisted there was no reason to panic and there was no indication of any serious threat of a smallpox attack.

The latest order was made to Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, according to Danish television.

A number of countries, including the United States, have already announced an increase in their stocks of smallpox vaccinations.

US President George W. Bush, who was himself innoculated before Christmas, said hundreds of thousands of US troops and key civilians would also be given the vaccination.

[coloradan]

They are ordering smallpox vaccine, but don't believe that Iraq poses any sort of WMD threat?

[Lurker]

"The latest order was made to Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, according to Danish television."

Dear Germany;

We'll ship the vaccine as soon as we have made 10 million or so doses for our own people.

Oh funny thing, the Americans have ordered 100 million doses, and paid in advance in cash, so regretfully, we are legally obligated to ship their order first.

Don't worry though, with any luck we should be able to ship the order you placed in about 2015, providing of course, that you pay us in cash in advance and are willing to put your names on our Waiting List.

Thanks again for your interest in Danish Pharmecueticals. We will of course advise you when we are able to process your order.

Much Love,

Denmark

[Fred Mertz]

However, Schmidt insisted there was no reason to panic and there was no indication of any serious threat of a smallpox attack.

As the director of Homeland Security said today, don't change your plans, go out and act like everything is normal.

Oh, and the terrorists might hit soft targets like congested areas, hotels, airports, etc.

I think there's something to this smallpox threat.

[abner]

Wow, it's almost like some friends of the Germans, like the Iraqis, gave the Germans a warning of some sort.

I agree with you on this Fred, smallpox is the threat.

[bybybill]

GOD put us on Earth so that HE would have something to laugh at....ON CENTER STAGE,RIGHT NOW, THE GERMANS

[Iris7]

As soon as I can arrange it my family will get smallpox vaccinations.

[Sabertooth]

I think there's something to this smallpox threat.

So do the governments of Israel, Jordan, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

[Sabertooth]

((((((growl)))))

[pepsionice]

It is a curious thing...Schroeder, nor any member of his cabinet, have never made a single comment on the perceived threat of Small Pox. They had to admit that they were spending money and buying the vaccine, but they have yet to go on national TV and explain why anyone would spend $150 million on something that simply isn't required if there are NO Weapons of Mass Destruction. Almost all of Schroeders question and answer episodes....so few if any...have been staged and rigged ahead of time. No audience member has ever been allowed to ask questions.

My simple questions to the German government...is the Small Pox threat real? And if it is...who from? And if you say its Iraq....what are going to do about it? And if your answer is 'work towards peace'....then I need to ask if you have ever thought after life after a Small Pox epidemic...80 million Germans today....and at least 25 million would be gone after an epidemic or be unable to contribute to society. Could Germany survive as a nation or would the Small Pox epidemic destroy the current government? In America, we actually thought about these questions...and decided that we really couldn't 'work towards peace'....we'd rather live and thrive in a free world.

There appears to be a difference between Germans and Americans...Americans are born to thrive in a free society and will fight for that opportunity. Germans have nothing to apparently live for...and won't fight for what little they currently have. Herr Schroeder...if you don't mind...just step to the side...we have business to attend to...go back to your girlfriend and have her darken your hair just a bit more.

[vikingchick]

bump

[Sabertooth]

Pustule.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the ing. Seems Germany is worried about the non-exsistant threat from Saddam.

[jonathonandjennifer]

I'm starting to doubt what I saw. Fox news has the red, "HIGH" terrorism flag flying. About 15 minutes ago. Anyone else see it?

[bonesmccoy]

The Germans got vaccine.

We still are waiting.

Someone needs to tell the Homeland Security people to get the public health people moving.

[vikingchick]

Smallpox blankets. Remember that thread?:)

[RobFromGa]

Well stated.

[jonathonandjennifer]

I'm starting to doubt what I saw. Fox news has the red, "HIGH" terrorism flag flying. About 15 minutes ago. Anyone else see it?

[SAMWolf]

They have the "high" Orange flag up now.

[RobFromGa]

Try adjusting the "tint" on your TV, or do what I always do, go out tomorrow and buy a TV twice as big as your current one.

AND, you'll be helping the economy. Unfortunately, it won't be our economy since we don't make TV's but it will still look good when you are watching the late night shows with Jen.