County health workers may get smallpox vaccinations

Hill County medical health professionals could receive vaccinations for the smallpox virus beginning in January or February.

The vaccinations are part of a nationwide program developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The plan calls for more than 500,000 public health officials and first-responders to receive the vaccination in preparation for public health disasters and potential bioterrorist attacks.

The Montana Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for implementing the program at the state level.

A terrorist attack is unlikely, according to a press re...