Madison Clarke
The smallpox vaccine is no longer recommended for the general public, but it is still available for those who may be at risk of exposure to the variola virus, which causes smallpox. The vaccine is typically administered in the upper arm, specifically the deltoid area, using a two-pronged needle that pricks the skin multiple times. While the smallpox vaccine is not a typical shot, it can cause some side effects, such as a sore arm, fever, and body aches. Proper care of the vaccination site is crucial, including keeping it dry and changing bandages regularly. Washing hands after direct contact with the vaccination site or bandages is essential to prevent the spread of the vaccinia virus, especially for those with young children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of needle used | Two-pronged (bifurcated) needle |
| How the needle is used | Dipped into the vaccine solution, then used to prick the skin a number of times in a few seconds |
| Depth of pricks | Not deep, but will cause a sore spot and one or two drops of blood to form |
| Site of vaccination | Upper arm (deltoid area) |
| Skin preparation required | Do not apply alcohol to the skin prior to vaccination |
| Aftercare | Wash hands with soap and warm water after direct contact with the bandage or vaccination site; change the bandage every 1-2 days; keep the vaccination site dry |
| Side effects | Sore arm, fever, body aches, itching, swelling, redness, thickening of the skin, skin discolouration, vigorous (toxic or allergic) reaction at the site of vaccination, spread of the vaccinia virus to other parts of the body and to other people |
| Lesion development | A red and itchy lesion should develop at the vaccine site in 3-4 days; in the first week, the lesion becomes a large blister, fills with pus, and begins to drain; during the second week, the lesion begins to dry and a scab forms; the scab falls off in the third week, leaving a small scar |
| Who should get the vaccine | Lab workers who work with the variola virus or similar viruses; parents of infants and young children; healthcare workers or individuals who provide direct patient care |
| Laundry instructions | Machine wash items that have touched the vaccination site in hot water with detergent and/or bleach; put used bandages and scabs in plastic zip bags, then throw them away in the regular trash |
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What You'll Learn
The smallpox vaccine is given in the upper arm
The smallpox vaccine is no longer recommended for the general public since the disease was eradicated in 1980. However, the U.S. government has stockpiled enough vaccines to inoculate everyone in the event of an outbreak. The vaccine is typically administered in the upper arm, specifically in the fat layer underneath the skin on the back of the upper arm (above the tricep muscle).
The smallpox vaccine is given using a two-pronged (bifurcated) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. The needle is then used to prick the skin multiple times in a few seconds, causing a sore spot and one or two drops of blood. This technique is different from most other vaccines, which are administered as a shot.
If the vaccination is successful, a red and itchy lesion will develop at the vaccine site within 3 to 4 days. This lesion will turn into a large blister, fill with pus, and begin to drain within the first week. During the second week, the lesion will dry out and a scab will form. The scab will fall off in the third week, leaving a small, permanent scar.
It is important to keep the vaccination site clean and dry. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after direct contact with the bandage or vaccination site to prevent the spread of the virus. Machine wash any clothing or materials that come into contact with the vaccination site in hot water with detergent and/or bleach.
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It is administered using a two-pronged needle
The smallpox vaccine is administered using a unique technique. Unlike most other vaccines, it is not administered as an injection. Instead, a two-pronged (or bifurcated) needle is used. This needle is dipped into the vaccine solution, and when removed, it holds a droplet of the vaccine. The needle is then used to prick the skin several times in a matter of seconds. This technique is known as intradermal vaccination, where the vaccine is placed between the top layers of the skin.
The pricking is not deep, but it will cause a slight discomfort and some bleeding. The vaccine is typically administered on the upper arm, with the needle pricking a small area multiple times. This process causes a small, localised infection at the vaccination site, which is a normal and expected result. The infection triggers the body's immune response, stimulating it to build up its defences.
The two-pronged needle was invented in 1965 by Dr Benjamin Rubin and played a pivotal role in the World Health Organization's 1966-1977 campaign to eradicate smallpox. This method of vaccine delivery proved to be highly effective, with an estimated 200 million vaccinations administered annually during the final years of the campaign.
It is important to note that the vaccination site should be carefully managed to prevent the spread of the vaccinia virus. The site should be covered with a loose bandage or gauze, allowing airflow but not fluids. It is crucial to change the bandage regularly, maintain dry skin at the site, and wash any clothing or materials that come into contact with the vaccination site.
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The vaccination site should be kept dry
Keeping the vaccination site dry is an important step in the aftercare of a smallpox vaccination. The vaccination site should be kept dry to aid in the healing process and prevent infection. The smallpox vaccine is usually administered in the upper arm, and successful vaccination results in a lesion at the site. This lesion will first appear as a red and itchy bump, which then develops into a large blister that fills with pus and begins to drain. During the second week, the blister dries up, and a scab forms.
To keep the vaccination site dry, it is recommended to cover it with a water-resistant pad or a waterproof band-aid when bathing. It is important to change back to a loose gauze bandage after bathing to allow the site to breathe and heal properly. Keeping the vaccination site dry also helps to reduce the risk of spreading the vaccinia virus, which is the live virus used in the smallpox vaccine.
It is important to note that the prolonged use of a waterproof bandage or dressing may cause maceration of the vaccination site, leading to irritation and itching. This may increase touching, scratching, and contamination of the hands and could potentially delay the healing process. Therefore, it is recommended to only use a water-resistant pad or dressing when necessary, such as when bathing, and to change back to a breathable gauze bandage afterward.
In addition to keeping the site dry, it is also crucial to practice good hand hygiene and wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water after any direct contact with the bandage or vaccination site. This will help to remove any virus from your hands and prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of your body or to other people, especially young children.
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Wash clothing that comes into contact with the vaccination site
The smallpox vaccine contains a live virus called vaccinia. After vaccination, this live virus is present at the vaccine site and can be spread to other parts of the body or to other individuals through contact. For this reason, it is important to wash clothing or any other material that comes into contact with the vaccination site.
The vaccinia virus is spread by touching the vaccination site before it has healed or by touching bandages or clothing that have become contaminated with the live virus from the vaccination site. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when handling clothing that has come into contact with the vaccination site.
To wash clothing and other materials that have come into contact with the smallpox vaccination site, it is recommended to use hot water with detergent and/or bleach. This will help to ensure that any traces of the live virus are inactivated and cannot spread to others. It is also important to do your own laundry and use a separate laundry hamper for clothes, towels, and sheets that may have come into contact with the vaccination site or any pus from the site.
In addition to washing clothing, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and keep the vaccination site covered. Wash hands with soap and warm water after direct contact with the bandage, vaccination site, or any materials that may be contaminated. Keep the vaccination site covered with a loose gauze bandage until the scab has formed and fallen off, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. This will provide a barrier to protect against the spread of the vaccinia virus.
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Cover the vaccination site when bathing
It is important to keep the vaccination site dry when bathing. Cover the vaccination site with a water-resistant pad, such as a waterproof band-aid, to protect the area when you bathe. This is particularly important if you are unable to wear a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that covers the vaccination site.
The smallpox vaccine is usually administered in the upper arm, and it is recommended that you keep the area covered and protected. The vaccination site will develop a lesion, which will fill with pus and begin to drain. It is vital to keep this area dry and clean to prevent infection and the spread of the vaccinia virus to other parts of the body and other people.
Healthcare workers or those providing direct patient care may wear semipermeable dressings to provide additional protection against spreading the virus while at work. However, prolonged use of these dressings is not recommended for non-healthcare workers as it may cause maceration of the vaccination site, leading to irritation and itching. Instead, non-healthcare workers should only wear semipermeable dressings when bathing and should change back to loose gauze bandages afterward.
Remember to change the bandage every 1-2 days to keep the skin at the vaccination site intact. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after direct contact with the bandage or vaccination site to prevent the spread of the virus. Put used bandages in a sealed plastic bag and throw them away, and be sure to wash any clothing or other materials that come into contact with the vaccination site.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to wash your arm before getting the smallpox vaccine. However, it is important to note that alcohol-based cleansers should not be used on the skin prior to vaccination as alcohol will inactivate the vaccinia virus.
It is recommended that you keep the vaccination site dry and cover it with a water-resistant pad when you bathe. Change the bandage every 1-2 days and wash your hands with soap and warm water after direct contact with the bandage or vaccination site. Wash any clothing or materials that come into contact with the vaccination site in hot water with detergent and/or bleach.
Most people experience mild reactions such as a sore arm, fever, and body aches. However, if you experience more serious side effects such as a vigorous reaction at the vaccination site or the spread of the vaccinia virus to other parts of the body, seek medical advice. Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) can help treat serious reactions to the smallpox vaccine.
Yes, you can gently wash your arm with soap and water after getting the smallpox vaccine. However, it is important to avoid rubbing or scrubbing the vaccination site as this may irritate the skin.
