Logan Reed
Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is one of the deadliest diseases known to humans, killing at least one in three people infected. The symptoms of smallpox are gruesome: high fever, vomiting, mouth sores, followed by fluid-filled lesions on the whole body. Death would come suddenly, often within 2 weeks, and survivors could be left with permanent harm such as blindness and infertility. Fortunately, the smallpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing smallpox infection, and routine vaccination in the past has led to the eradication of the disease. While smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended for the general public, it is still available in the event of a smallpox outbreak, and certain high-risk groups may still require it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is vaccination necessary for smallpox? | No, it is not necessary as smallpox has been eradicated and the virus no longer exists in nature. |
| Who is the smallpox vaccine for? | The smallpox vaccine is not available to the general public. However, there is enough stockpile to vaccinate everyone in the US if an outbreak occurs. |
| How is the vaccine administered? | The smallpox vaccine is given using a two-pronged (bifurcated) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. The skin is then pricked multiple times, causing a sore spot and drops of blood. |
| What are the side effects of the vaccine? | Most people experience mild reactions, including a sore arm, fever, and body aches. However, some may experience more severe reactions, such as a vigorous response at the vaccination site or the spread of the vaccinia virus. |
| Who should not get the smallpox vaccine? | People with weakened immune systems, skin conditions (especially eczema or atopic dermatitis), or those living with someone in these categories should not get the vaccine unless exposed to smallpox. |
| How long does the vaccine provide protection? | The smallpox vaccine can provide protection for about 3 to 5 years. |
| Is the vaccine effective? | Historically, the smallpox vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of vaccinated individuals. It can also lessen the severity of the disease if given within a few days of exposure. |
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What You'll Learn
Smallpox vaccines are not available to the general public
Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is one of the deadliest diseases known to humans, killing at least one in three people infected. The symptoms of smallpox are gruesome: high fever, vomiting, mouth sores, followed by fluid-filled lesions on the whole body. Death would come suddenly, often within two weeks, and survivors could be left with permanent harm such as blindness and infertility.
The smallpox vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is a poxvirus similar to smallpox but less harmful. The smallpox vaccine contains a live vaccinia virus, not a killed or weakened virus like many other vaccines. The vaccine is administered by multiple punctures of the skin with a bifurcated needle that holds the vaccine solution in the fork. The skin should be cleaned with water rather than alcohol, as alcohol could inactivate the vaccinia virus. If the vaccination is successful, a red and itchy lesion or bump develops at the vaccination site in three or four days. In the first week, the lesion becomes a large blister, fills with pus, and begins to drain. During the second week, the blister begins to dry and a scab forms. The scab falls off in the third week, leaving a small scar.
Smallpox vaccines are currently not available to the general public because smallpox has been eradicated, and the virus no longer exists in nature. Routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. The last case of smallpox was seen in 1977. However, there is enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States if a smallpox outbreak were to occur. The CDC's Strategic National Stockpile has developed protocols to allow for the rapid, simultaneous delivery of smallpox vaccines to every state and US territory within 12-24 hours.
The smallpox vaccine can have some serious side effects. In the past, about 1,000 people out of every 1 million vaccinated experienced reactions that, while not life-threatening, were serious. These reactions include a vigorous (toxic or allergic) reaction at the vaccination site and the spread of the vaccinia virus to other parts of the body and to other people. Between 14 and 52 people per 1 million vaccinated experienced potentially life-threatening reactions, including eczema vaccinatum, progressive vaccinia (or vaccinia necrosum), or postvaccinal encephalitis. Based on past experience, it is estimated that between 1 and 2 people out of every 1 million people vaccinated will die as a result of life-threatening reactions to the vaccine. Therefore, careful screening of potential vaccine recipients is essential to ensure that those at increased risk do not receive the vaccine. People who have or have had skin conditions (especially eczema or atopic dermatitis) or weakened immune systems should not get the smallpox vaccine unless they are exposed to the disease.
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The smallpox vaccine is given using a two-pronged needle
Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is transmitted from person to person and natural infection occurs through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or contact with infected material on mucous membranes. In the 1970s, smallpox was fatal in 30% of cases.
Smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended for the general public since the disease has been eradicated and the virus no longer exists in nature. However, the U.S. government has stockpiled enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States in the event of an outbreak.
The smallpox vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is a poxvirus similar to smallpox but less harmful. The smallpox vaccine contains a live vaccinia virus, unlike many other vaccines that use a killed or weakened virus. The vaccine is administered using a two-pronged (bifurcated) needle. This needle is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to prick the skin several times in a few seconds. The pricking is not deep but will cause a sore spot and a drop or two of blood. The vaccine is usually given in the upper arm.
If the vaccination is successful, a lesion will develop at the vaccine site within 3 to 4 days. This lesion will become 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 behind a small scar. People who are being vaccinated for the first time will have a stronger reaction than those who are being revaccinated.
It is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site because the vaccinia virus is live. Precautions must be taken to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. The vaccination site should be covered with a loose piece of gauze and first aid tape or a semi-permeable bandage. It is recommended to wear clothing that covers the bandage and to keep the site dry. The bandage should be changed at least every 3 days and after bathing. It is also important to wash your hands carefully every time you touch the vaccination site or anything that might be contaminated with the virus.
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The smallpox vaccine contains a live vaccinia virus
Smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended for the general public since the disease was eradicated in the 1970s. However, due to concerns about the variola virus being used as a bioterrorism agent, the U.S. government has stockpiled enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone in the country in the event of an outbreak.
First-generation smallpox vaccines contain live, unattenuated vaccinia virus and can cause serious side effects in a small percentage of recipients, including death. Second-generation vaccines are also based on live vaccinia virus but are grown in the chorioallantoic membrane or cell culture, resulting in greater purity. Third-generation vaccines, such as ACAM2000, are based on attenuated vaccinia strains, which are much less virulent and have milder side effects.
Because the vaccinia virus in the smallpox vaccine is live, it can spread to other people through close contact with the inoculation site or with exudate from the site. Therefore, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes keeping the area clean and covered, washing your hands after touching the site, and not sharing personal items such as towels or clothing that may have come into contact with the virus.
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The smallpox vaccine is the best protection against smallpox
Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is one of the deadliest diseases known to humans, killing at least 1 in 3 people infected. The symptoms of smallpox are gruesome: high fever, vomiting, mouth sores, and fluid-filled lesions on the whole body. Death would come suddenly, often within 2 weeks, and survivors could be left with permanent harm such as blindness and infertility.
Historically, the vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine was proven to prevent or substantially lessen infection when given within a few days after a person was exposed to the variola virus. The vaccine can lessen the severity of or even prevent illness in people exposed to smallpox if given within three to four days of exposure. The vaccine is not without risks, however. In the past, about 1,000 people out of every 1 million vaccinated experienced serious but non-life-threatening reactions. These reactions include a vigorous (toxic or allergic) reaction at the site of vaccination and the spread of the vaccinia virus to other parts of the body and to other people. Between 14 and 52 people per 1 million vaccinated experienced potentially life-threatening reactions, including eczema vaccinatum, progressive vaccinia (or vaccinia necrosum), or postvaccinal encephalitis. Based on past experience, it is estimated that between 1 and 2 people out of every 1 million people vaccinated will die as a result of life-threatening reactions to the vaccine.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site. You can spread the virus by touching the vaccination site before it has healed or by touching bandages or clothing that have been in contact with the live virus from the vaccination site. If you do not follow these instructions, you can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. Cover the vaccination site loosely with a piece of gauze held in place with first aid tape or a semi-permeable bandage (one that allows air to flow through but not fluids). Keep the vaccination site dry. If the gauze bandage gets wet, change it right away. While bathing, cover your vaccination site with a waterproof bandage, and don't share towels. Change your bandage at least every 3 days.
Smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended for the general public because smallpox has been eradicated and the virus no longer exists in nature. Routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. The last case of smallpox was seen in 1977. However, there is enough smallpox vaccine stockpiled to vaccinate every person in the United States if a smallpox outbreak were to occur.
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The smallpox vaccine can cause mild side effects
Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. Vaccination led to the eradication of smallpox, with the last case seen in 1977. Routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. Currently, smallpox vaccines are not available to the general public because smallpox has been eradicated, and the virus no longer exists in nature.
However, some people may experience more serious reactions requiring medical attention. People with certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems or certain skin conditions, are more likely to have these reactions and should not get the smallpox vaccine unless they have been exposed to smallpox. In the past, about 1,000 people out of every 1 million vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine for the first time experienced reactions that, while not life-threatening, were serious. Based on past experience, it is estimated that between one and two people out of every 1 million people vaccinated may die as a result of life-threatening reactions to the smallpox vaccine.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the smallpox vaccine is not mandatory. In fact, it is not currently available to the general public because smallpox has been eradicated and the virus no longer exists in nature.
The smallpox vaccine is not recommended for the general public. However, in the event of a smallpox outbreak, there is enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone who would need it. People who have been exposed to the disease or who live with someone who falls into this category should get the vaccine.
The smallpox vaccine is not administered as a shot like most other vaccines. Instead, it 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 some bleeding.
