Smallpox vaccine 'possible' cause of soldier's death; vaccinations to continue

This Department of Defense press release and AP story report that the death of a 26-year old soldier from myocarditis may be linked to smallpox and flu vaccines administered 16 days before his sudden death. The press release explains:

"Following evaluation of multiple specialized test results, the panel considered a cause-and-effect relationship to be 'possible.' The smallpox vaccine received by [Pfc. Christopher] Abston is known to cause an inflammation of the heart muscle or myocarditis, a condition found at his autopsy.

Evidence of the vaccinia virus, the main ingredient of smallpox vaccine, was not found in his heart muscle, but evidence of a different virus, parvovirus B19, was found.Natural infection with parvovirus B19 is another known cause of heart inflammation and death. The expert panel cautioned that the findings pointing to vaccinations were neither probable nor unlikely, but they do suggest the possibility that the vaccines may have caused Abston’s death."

Today, the lead story of the Defense Department's website is an item titled "DoD to continue smallpox vaccinations despite soldier's death." The story notes that over 1 million service members have been vaccinated since DoD's smallpox vaccination program began in December 2002. Cardiac side effects have occurred in 120 people, but none died prior to Pfc. Abston.

This is the latest development in what has been a controversial program since its inception 3.5 years ago. To address worries and criticisms, the government has an impressive website at www.smallpox.mil that explains their rationale for the program and offers extensive resources regarding safety concerns, among other topics.