DES MOINES, Iowa -- Hundreds of Iowans could start rolling up their sleeves for a smallpox vaccination in just a matter of weeks.

The state Department of Public Health has been working on a smallpox plan for months, but Friday's words from President George W. Bush are firming up what will happen and when.

The people who would respond to a case of smallpox will be the first to get the smallpox vaccine that consists of a series of pinpricks. That would include hundreds of health care professionals in every corner of the state.

Those vaccinations could start as early as Jan. 24. The idea is to protect the people who would protect Iowa with more vaccinations if they become necessary.

But the vaccine can cause some serious, life-threatening side effects.

So over the next month, hospitals, emergency workers and state officials are trying to decide who should get the vaccine and who shouldn't -- making sure they're not risking lives if it's not necessary.

Iowa State Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said, "we're doing this sort of wait, try and make sure of the benefits and the risks and what we've come down to in this first phase is to get these public health and medical teams up and ready and vaccinated."

Quinlisk also said the plan is designed to make sure all Iowans could be vaccinated in a couple days, if the need arises.

Learn More:
Department of Public Health: Smallpox Vaccinations