A volunteer group of hospital employees and health workers is scheduled today to receive the first round of smallpox vaccinations in Stanislaus County's effort to prepare in case of a biological attack.

The timing is not tied to the war with Iraq. Before the onset of military action this week, the county had planned to vaccinate 150 health workers and emergency responders who make up the county's first line of defense.

Most represent hospitals -- Modesto's Doctors Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center and Stanislaus Surgical Hospital, Turlock's Emanuel Medical Center, and Oakdale's Oak Valley Hospital -- and would deal with patients in an emergency.

The group also includes county health professionals trained to give the vaccine, Sheriff Les Weidman and law enforcement officers who would protect the serum.

In a second stage, the vaccine would be offered to a larger group of police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel.

"Our first priority is to safely move through Phase I of our smallpox vaccinations," said David Jones, spokesman for the county's Health Services Agency.

There has been no word from the federal government on moving to the next stage, he said.

Authorities believe terrorists could use smallpox as a weapon, by sending an infected person into an airport or city. In such an event, the national Centers for Disease Control would respond and could oversee the vaccination of thousands of people.

Local officials said there is little chance this county would be affected. But the county has co- operated with federal and state directives to be prepared.

All those getting the vaccination today volunteered and received the vaccine as children, so it's not their first time. They also were screened for skin rashes, weakened immune systems and other factors that could increase the risk of a harmful reaction.

More risk for adults today

Before 1972, when the government stopped routine vaccinations, millions of children received the vaccine without side effects.

But giving the vaccine to adults is a different matter, said Dr. John Walker, the county's public health director.

"A lot has happened in 30 years," he said. "Today, we have people who have deficient immune systems, we have people who are on cancer drugs. We just have more people who could be at risk of vaccine complications. And that is why we have to be more careful."

The vaccine does not contain smallpox, but was derived from a related virus called cowpox. It is applied by poking the skin with a two-pronged needle and implanting a drop of the vaccine.

The live virus poses a slight risk. For example, it infected the eye of a Southern California adult who had come in contact with someone who had been involved in a military inoculation this year. The virus can be spread by touching a vaccinated area before it has healed or touching material contaminated with the virus.

Kelly Huston, a Sheriff's Department spokesman, said he has not heard much feedback from deputies about possible expansion of the vaccination program.

He said that in dealing with criminals and jail inmates, deputies routinely face larger issues such as hepatitis C and other contagious diseases.

"I think most of the deputies would be willing to be vaccin- ated," he said. "I think the issue boils down to if there are enough vaccination doses available."

Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at 578-2321 or kcarlson@modbee.com.

Reprinted by permission of the Modesto Bee.