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(Hartford, Connecticut-AP) -- Health workers in Connecticut called "The Genesis Team" are first in line to get the smallpox vaccine.
The group comprised of Connecticut state health workers and medical personnel from the University of Connecticut Health Center roll up their sleeves today. They would be among the first responders in the event of a terrorist attack involving smallpox.
In December, President Bush ordered a half-(m) million health care workers nationwide to get the shots.
Still, some major hospitals are refusing the vaccine. And the California Nurses Association says it doesn't want hospitals to be part of the program.
Some are concerned about possible side effects triggered by the inoculation. Health experts predict about 40 of every (m) million people vaccinated will suffer life-threatening complications and one or two may die.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
