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What you should know about smallpox vaccine
Why is the government recommending smallpox vaccinations for some
people?
Following the
terrorist attacks of 2001, many efforts have been made to ensure that
the United States is as prepared as possible for any future episodes of
terrorism, including bioterrorism. Although the risk of a smallpox
attack is minimal, the federal government has determined that these
vaccinations will be invaluable in protecting those most likely to be
exposed should such an attack happen.
Recent federal
smallpox vaccination recommendations for some health care, public
health, military and other emergency staff are part of ongoing national
emergency preparedness efforts. Smallpox vaccinations are not
recommended for the general public.
Haven’t I already been vaccinated against smallpox?
In the United States,
routine vaccination against smallpox stopped in 1972, and was discontinued
for military personnel in 1990. Currently, only people who work with
similar viruses in laboratories routinely receive smallpox vaccine. The
immunity gained from smallpox vaccination is believed to last about 10
years. People who have been vaccinated multiple times may have some
protection against infection but, in general, most people in the United
States are not immune to smallpox.
Does the vaccine contain smallpox?
The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus. It
contains a related live virus called vaccinia.
If I receive a smallpox vaccination will I be contagious?
Yes, you will be
contagious with the virus used in the vaccine (not smallpox) and it may be
necessary to limit your contact with people who may be most at risk of
developing serious side effects from the vaccine. These include: people
with eczema or certain skin conditions, people with compromised immune
systems, and pregnant women. You will be contagious until all sores have
healed and the scabs have fallen off.
What are the risks associated with getting a smallpox vaccination?
Although the
vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus, it does contain another virus
that can be dangerous. Unless there has been an exposure to smallpox, the
vaccine should not be given to pregnant women, children under one year of
age, people who are allergic to any of the vaccine components, people with
eczema or other serious skin conditions, or those with weakened or
compromised immune systems.
In March 2003,
following reports of heart attacks after vaccination, the CDC began
investigating whether the vaccine may be a risk for people with a history
of heart disease. Until more information is available, people with certain
types of heart disease should not be vaccinated.
Side effects from
the vaccine may range from pain or fever to encephalitis, serious skin
disorders or, in rare cases, death.
What is the chance of having an adverse reaction to the vaccine?
In the past, 250 out of every million people who were
vaccinated for the first time experienced adverse reactions to the
vaccine. That rate could possibly be higher now because of the increased
numbers of people with compromised immune systems.
Death occurs in one of every million first time smallpox
vaccinations.
Can I purchase a vaccination or obtain one from my doctor?
No. The smallpox vaccine is controlled by the federal
government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and is not available to any health care practice for administration to the
general public.
Click here for more information
about smallpox.
Revised: 12/13/02
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