Smallpox vaccination clinics still scheduled

AUGUSTA – Although Maine has delayed its first smallpox vaccination clinics, additional clinics scheduled to begin April 30 are still on schedule, according to Maine Bureau of Health.

The first clinic scheduled for Monday in Portland and the next scheduled for April 17 at the Augusta Armory were postponed after reports that three people died of heart attacks following the vaccinations.

Health officials are studying the deaths, all in other parts of the country, said Dr. Dora Mills, director of the Bureau of Health.

For now, future clinics are still scheduled for April 30 in Portland and May 1 at the armory in Brewer, Mills said.

The vaccination program will likely proceed with new protocols designed to eliminate anyone with a history of heart problems, she said. So far, 37 health care workers have received the vaccinations in Maine.