Smallpox Vaccine

What Is Smallpox?

Smallpox is a disease caused by a virus. At one time, it was one of the world’s most feared infections. Smallpox has no treatment or cure. It can be fatal. Smallpox is nearly nonexistent as a result of a worldwide vaccination effort. The last case in the US was in 1949. The last naturally occurring case in the world occurred in 1977. There have been no cases of smallpox reported anywhere. The vaccine is no longer given.

Because of bioterrorism threats, it’s important to remember the facts about smallpox.

Smallpox can be spread from person to person by direct, face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through bodily fluids or linens and clothing that have been contaminated. Smallpox can be spread through the air, although this is rare.

The primary symptoms include:

High fever
Headache
Body aches
Vomiting

As the virus advances, a red rash appears on the tongue and in the mouth. The rash then spreads. Spots begin to break open. The rash spreads across the body. It turns from red spots into raised bumps. By day four, the bumps fill with fluid and have a depression in the middle. Scabs form over all of the bumps.

What Is the Smallpox Vaccine?

The smallpox vaccine contains a live virus, called the vaccinia virus. This is related to smallpox. The vaccine is given as multiple pinpricks usually in the arm.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?

You should get the vaccine if you have come in contact with the virus or if you are at risk. The vaccine is not given to the general public. You will get the vaccine if you are in the military and work in high threat areas.

What Are the Risks Associated With the Smallpox Vaccine?

A live virus is injected into the skin. It is possible to spread it to other areas of the body, or even to other people. The injection site must be protected to prevent this from happening.

Common side effects of smallpox vaccine include:

Rash and itching
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Swollen lymph nodes
Body aches
Soreness in the arm

More serious, but less common side effects include:

Inflammation of the heart muscle or sac around the heart
Swelling of the brain or spinal cord
Infection at the site of the vaccine
Severe allergic reaction

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

The following people should not get vaccinated:

People who have had a previous allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Children less than 12 months old
People with eczema or who have had a history of eczema or other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis
People with skin conditions, such as burns , chickenpox , shingles , impetigo , severe acne , or psoriasis —wait until healed before getting the vaccine
People with heart disease, heart conditions, multiple risk factors for heart disease, or stroke -like symptoms
People with weakened immune systems (eg, those who have received a transplant, have HIV , are receiving cancer treatment, or are taking medicines that suppress the immune system, including steroids)

Talk to your doctor to find out if the vaccine is safe for you.

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?

If an outbreak happens, the US has a large supply of the smallpox vaccine to vaccinate the entire population.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

Department of Health & Human Services http://www.hhs.gov/

References

Emergency preparedness and response. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/vaccine.asp . Accessed November 30, 2012.

Medication guide: Smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine, live. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM142576.pdf . Updated October 2009. Accessed November 30, 2012.

People who should not get the smallpox vaccine. US Department of Health & Human Services website. Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/smallpox/whonotvaccinated.html . Accessed June 13, 2007.

Smallpox. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/smallpox/en/ . Accessed February 6, 2007.

Smallpox disease overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp . Updated December 30, 2004. Accessed November 30, 2012.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 11/2012 -
Update Date: 11/26/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Redmond Regional Medical Center