HHS Purchases Smallpox Vaccine to Enhance Biodefense Preparedness

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response announced this week that it will spend $170 million this year to purchase the FDA-licensed smallpox vaccine ACAM2000. The vaccine will replenish and build on currently stockpiled vaccine. Under the agreement, ASPR may purchase additional vaccine over the next 10 years, up to a total of nearly $2.8 billion. To protect U.S. military personnel serving in high-risk areas, the U.S. Department of Defense acquires the vaccine stored by the Strategic National Stockpile prior to expiration. HHS then replenishes the stockpile.

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