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BWC ensures coverage for hospital workers receiving smallpox vaccine

Ohio’s health-care response team members can rest assured they will receive workers’ compensation coverage in the event they develop serious or life-threatening reactions from the smallpox vaccine.

"For most people, the smallpox vaccine is safe and effective. However, BWC believes it’s important to be prepared in the unfortunate event a covered employee has an adverse reaction to the vaccine," said BWC Administrator/CEO James Conrad. "Hospital workers are compromising their health voluntarily to ensure the public safety. The least we can do is offer them our support."

BWC established this policy in response to the three-phase smallpox vaccination plan President George W. Bush announced in December to address the possibility of a biological attack. Phase 1 of the plan involves health-care response team members and was initiated Feb. 19.

During Phase 1 planning, BWC worked closely with the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Department of Health and local health departments to provide counsel and communication regarding Phase 1 workers’ compensation impacts.

BWC will address Phase 2 of the vaccination plan if and when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention addresses it.

Related links
Fact Sheet: Workers' Compensation Benefits for the smallpox vaccine
Policy Statement: Workers' compensation claims management guidelines for adverse effects of the smallpox vaccine
Ohio Department of Health