To encourage health workers to get vaccinated against smallpox, the government has proposed a plan to compensate workers who develop serious side effects or even die as a result of the vaccine. The smallpox vaccine is the most dangerous of all human immunizations.

The plan, proposed by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, is based on a similar compensation package that is currently available to police officers and firefighters.

“Under the Public Safety Officers Benefit program, administered by the Department of Justice, the federal government currently pays a $262,100 death and a $262,100 permanent and total disability benefit to police officers and firefighters,” HHS said in a statement.

“HHS would compensate individuals for two-thirds of lost wages after the fifth day from work, up to a maximum of $50,000,” it added.

“Additionally, HHS would provide compensation to third parties who contract vaccinia from public health and medical response team workers who have been vaccinated.”

The package is subject to approval by Congress.

(via Reuters)