UTM is tentatively set to be the sight for the Weakley County smallpox vaccinations in case there is an outbreak.

Presently Steve Vantrease, who is also one of the UTM smallpox response team representatives, is the liaison for using the UTM’s Univeristy Center in the case of a smallpox outbreak. UTM is doing all possible to protect the students and to insure that the students can also receive vaccines. “We are definitely concerned about it (smallpox),” said Chancellor Nick Dunagan.

The comprehensive plan right now for mass vaccinations is only provisionally set that the first day the volunteers and their families will receive vaccinations, followed by the UTM students on the second, who the Weakley County Health Department wants to get home as soon as possible. The third day is set for other Weakley Countians.

During the first and only meeting on Dec. 12, the need for more volunteers was also discussed. UTM is currently represented by many including: Shannon Deal of Student Health, Steve Vantrese, Director of the University Center, Mr. Davis of the Physical Plant, Rick Hatler of Public Safety, Gina Warren of the Elam Center, one representative from the UTM Nursing Department and others.

Since the City of Martin should shut down, the Weakley County Health Department is not encouraging student volunteers. In effect, they hope that after their vaccination the students return to their hometowns. Nonetheless, other volunteers are encouraged. The plan is to do 5,000 vaccinations a day. In order to do this there needs to be 100 volunteers per shift; this would total 200 volunteers a day during 16 hour days.

The vaccinations are hoped to take 10 days. They are not mandatory and all those receiving a shot must view an informational video. There are side effects from receiving this live vaccine. One in one million who receives the vaccine will die. There is a chance that 15 in one million will have life threatening side effects and the biggest risk comes from the scab on the arm. If the scab on the arm is scratched, since it is a live vaccine, if later scratched somewhere else; there is a chance of developing smallpox..

The symptoms of smallpox begin with a headache and feeling very bad, followed by a rash and blisters. The rash begins red and flat followed by puss and scabs. It can get into your throat and is highly contagious. If you believe you have these symptoms contact the Weakley County Health Department immediately at 364-2210 . The second meeting is going to be dedicated to more planning and will be held on Feb. 24.

Sources: Smallpox Briefing packet prepared by Weakley County Health Department

www.cdc.gov