Media Briefing at 10 a.m.

Stanislaus County – Hundreds of people will fill the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on Thursday seeking a simulated smallpox vaccination to ward off an outbreak of the disease.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is conducting an emergency preparedness drill this Thursday, May 19, 2005 starting at 10 a.m. at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. The event is scheduled to end by 2 p.m.

The exercise will be conducted to test the Health Service Agency’s plans and capabilities to mass dispense smallpox medication to prevent the spread of disease. The exercise is being funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is a simulation only. No smallpox vaccine will be present at the Fairgrounds location.

Media Briefing at 10 a.m. in Building E-4 which is an outdoor covered stage area. Please check in with security at the entrance of the event. Media kits to be distributed.

Photo Opportunities for: registration, screening, video education of participants and simulated vaccination of smallpox vaccine including swabbing of vaccination sites and simulation of vaccination using small, blunt plastic sticks. Best visuals available before noon.

Partner agencies for the exercise include: Stanislaus County chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of Stanislaus County, Doctors Medical Center, Emanuel Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Oak Valley Hospital, Stanislaus Surgical Hospital, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services and the Turlock Police Department.