Paul W. Ewald

There has been debate within America’s medical community over whether to reinstitute smallpox vaccinations to protect Americans against a possible bioterrorist attack. In the viewpoint that follows, Paul W. Ewald proposes that smallpox vaccines be made available to Americans who want to be vaccinated. Individuals can weigh for themselves the potential risks and benefits of being vaccinated. In addition, he argues, vaccinating even just part of America’s population might be enough to prevent or deter terrorists from attempting smallpox attacks. Ewald is a professor of biology at Amherst College in Massachusetts and the author of Evolution of Infectious Diseases.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What government policy regarding smallpox vaccinations is Ewald criticizing?
2. How would a partially vaccinated population help prevent...