UF researchers explain smallpox risks on new Web site

University of Florida researchers have set up a new Web site to help people concerned about smallpox bioterrorism evaluate the risk posed by the viral disease, and the vaccine intended to prevent it. Vaccinations are now under way for U.S. medical, military and law enforcement personnel and a voluntary program for the general public could be implemented next year, said Parker Small, Jr., M.D., a professor of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine with UF’s College of Medicine.

The vaccine could potentially kill one or two of every one million recipients, Small said. People with compromised immune systems are at much greater risk of harm from the vaccine and should consult a physician if considering vaccination.

The Web site is located at http://ccl.ichp.edu/smallpox. Small designed the site with risk communication specialist John Paling, Ph.D., a UF environmental toxicologist.

“Our main point is that all people are not at equal risk,” Small said. “Where someone lives and whether they have been vaccinated before determines how much they should worry. This Web site offers a visual tool to help individuals assess their own risk.”

On the site, examples of the relative risks of the disease and the vaccination are presented in an easy-to-follow chart known as the Paling Perspective Scale, which Paling designed.

“I am sure the public would appreciate a more clear explanation of what their odds are, according to their specific circumstances,” Paling said. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has tried to show the public these issues in a visually understandable way.”