Predictors of smallpox vaccination among healthcare workers and other first responders.

Background: The goal of the National Smallpox Vaccination Program was to vaccinate a cadre of healthcare workers and first responders who could care for smallpox patients in the event of an attack.

Methods: Using a convenience sample of 36 health departments and 34 hospitals in California, we conducted a telephone interview between July 2003 and April 2004 of healthcare workers and first responders to determine predictors of smallpox vaccination.

Findings: The response rate was 54.