In light of the recent discussion of smallpox on Capitol Hill and in the media, students might be searching for answers about the disease and vaccinations.

The debate over smallpox has left many calling for the federal government to resume vaccinations that ceased when the disease was eradicated in 1977.

U.S. Secretary of Health Tommy G. Thompson told CNN's Larry King on Tuesday night that he does not see the need for the government to reinstate mandatory vaccinations. Instead, the government should stockpile the vaccine so it can be utilized in the event of a smallpox epidemic, he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site (www.cdc.gov), the smallpox virus is a concern in biological warfare because it spreads easily. In addition, the disease is contagious and an infected person could come in contact with many people during the 12-day incubation period, giving them the disease. While there is no proven treatment, doctors use intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever and pain.

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Penn,said he does not believe there is a need to start vaccinating against the disease.

"There is no reason at this time to begin vaccinating Americans against smallpox," Shuster said. "That is not to say that the government and local health officials should not have a plan in the remote possibility that such an attack would take place."

Dr. Margaret Spear, director of University Health Services, agreed.

"I don't think we have evidence that there is a real risk to most people," Spear said.

While many think nationwide vaccinations are not the solution, some believe otherwise.

"I support the concept for nationwide smallpox vaccinations," Sanford F. Kuvin, chairman for the Sanford Kuvin Center for infectious disease at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said in a phone interview. "The smallpox vaccine is relatively safe and effective except in those who are immunodeficient."

State College resident Robert Ryves, who has started a petition to persuade the federal government to make smallpox vaccinations available to the public, said he does not believe inoculations should be mandatory, but Americans should have the option to choose.

"Initially, I approached the situation by seeking inoculations for my family. But when I contacted my healthcare provider, I was shocked to learn that inoculations aren't available to the general public," he said.

Although Shuster does not see a need for vaccinations, he will push for communities to take precautionary measures.

"I will make every effort to help communities, whether they be townships or college campuses, to be certain that we are prepared for any circumstance," he said.

President Bush has proposed a $1.5 billion emergency budget request to further strengthen the nation's defenses to any potential bioterrorism attacks, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.