What is the smallpox vaccine made of?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, a virus related to smallpox but that does not cause smallpox. The smallpox vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. It does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot spread smallpox.
Related QuestionsCDC Smallpox | FAQ About Smallpox VaccineThe vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, another “pox”-type virus related to smallpox but that does not cause smallpox. The smallpox vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. It does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot spread smallpox. (added Nov 13, 2002)Related Questions
Who in DoD is going to get the smallpox vaccine?
Frequently Asked Questionspart of this plan, the decision at this time is to vaccinate certain emergency response and medical personnel and other designated personnel that constitute critical mission capabilities, to include those essential to the accomplishment of U.S. Central Command’s missions. The Department may expand the program at a later date. The decision will be implemented using a portion of the existing licensed supplies of smallpox vaccine.
Related QuestionsWhat is the smallpox vaccine, and is it still required?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe smallpox vaccine is the best way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is another “pox”-type virus related to smallpox. The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot spread smallpox. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population. Getting smallpox vaccine before exposure will protect about 95 percent of people from getting smallpox.
Related QuestionsHow safe is the smallpox vaccine?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe smallpox vaccine is the best protection you can get if you are exposed to the smallpox virus. Most people experience normal, usually mild, reactions, such as sore arm, fever, headache, body ache, and fatigue. These symptoms may peak eight to 12 days after vaccination. In the past, about 1,000 people for every 1,000,000 (1 million) vaccinated people experienced reactions that were serious, but not life-threatening. Most involved spread of virus elsewhere on the body.
Related QuestionsWhat about smallpox? Is there a vaccine I can get for my family and me?
E&A: Frequently Asked Questions - Biological & Chemi...Routine smallpox vaccinations were discontinued in the 1970s after the disease was eradicated. Vaccine is not currently available to the public. A supply of smallpox vaccine would be sent to affected areas if an outbreak occurs and would be used to protect citizens and emergency workers. Routine vaccination is not recommended because the vaccine may cause serious side effects and there is no natural risk of exposure.
Related QuestionsWhat exactly is the vaccine against smallpox?
Questions and Answers about Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccinatio...The vaccine contains a live virus called "vaccinia", which is very closely related to the smallpox virus ("variola"). Therefore, the vaccine cannot cause smallpox. The vaccine is a weakened, or "attenuated" virus. Thus, it can cause significant vaccine adverse reactions, and rarely death, more so in persons with predisposing conditions (relative contraindications to vaccination - see the next question below).
Related QuestionsIf I am concerned about a smallpox attack, can I go to my doctor and get the smallpox vaccine?
CDC Smallpox | FAQ About Smallpoxthe moment, the smallpox vaccine is not available for members of the general public. In the event of a smallpox outbreak, however, there is enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone every person in the United States.(modified December 29, 2004)
Related QuestionsWill servicemembers still be deployable if they have not received the smallpox vaccine?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, if they are in one of the groups that should not receive the smallpox vaccine they will still be deployable. In the event of an actual smallpox attack their vaccination status will be reevaluated.
Related QuestionsWhy is the Department of Defense administering the smallpox vaccine?
Frequently Asked QuestionsWe cannot quantify the threat that smallpox would be used as a bioweapon, but we do know that the consequences of its use could be great. Military missions must go on even if a smallpox outbreak occurs. It may not be feasible to vaccinate military forces soon after exposure if they are deployed to remote locations and/or engaged in military operations. Some military personnel will not be able to postpone vital missions if smallpox is used as a weapon.
Related QuestionsWill smallpox vaccine be provided to other countries for their civilian populations?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe United States will work with like-minded nations and the WHO to facilitate and coordinate nations’ access to existing global smallpox vaccine supplies and to increase the global supply though new production.
Related QuestionsAre diluted doses of smallpox vaccine as effective?
Frequently Asked QuestionsRecent tests have indicated that diluted smallpox vaccine is just as effective in providing immunity as full-strength vaccine.
Related QuestionsHow is the smallpox vaccine administered?
Untitled DocumentTo administer the smallpox vaccine, the World Health Organization recommends use of a bifurcated needle. Typically, the vaccine is given in the deltoid area of the nondominant arm in order to avoid limitation of use should a reaction to the vaccine occur. Unless the injection site is grossly contaminated, cleansing of the area is generally not required. If cleansing of the injection site is needed, use of soap and water is preferred.
Related QuestionsIs there any treatment for complications of smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine?
Questions and Answers about Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccinatio...Yes - Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) is approved and has efficacy against certain of the more common serious vaccine reactions such as eczema vaccinatum and disseminated vaccinia. However, VIG is not effective against vaccinia encephalitis, and is contraindicated in vaccinia keratitis (VIG may worsen the keratitis and loss of vision). VIG only has efficacy against "vaccinia virus" (the virus contained in the vaccine). VIG has NO efficacy against actual smallpox disease (variola virus).
Related QuestionsFAQsThe smallpox vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia which is a “pox”-type virus related to smallpox. The smallpox vaccine contains the “live” vaccinia virus—not dead virus like many other vaccines. For that reason, the vaccination site must be cared for carefully to prevent the virus from spreading. Also, the vaccine can have side effects.Related Questions
local6.com - Smallpox Vaccine: Frequently Asked QuestionsThe smallpox vaccine helps your body develop immunity to smallpox. It is made from a virus related to smallpox called "vaccinia." Unlike many others, the smallpox vaccine contains live, not dead virus. The vaccine is not given with a hypodermic needle, but rather a two-pronged needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution and then gently pushed into your skin several times in a few seconds.Related Questions
PC Gov. BDPR - Smallpox vaccine - Frequently asked questionsDryvax is the name of the smallpox vaccine that is currently licensed for use in the United States. It is a live-virus preparation of infectious vaccinia virus made by Wyeth Laboratories, Inc., Marietta, Pennsylvania. Vaccinia vaccine does not contain smallpox (variola) virus and cannot cause smallpox.Related Questions
City of Austin - Health Department - Bioterrorismthe result of a successful worldwide effort to eradicate smallpox, smallpox vaccine was removed from the commercial market in 1983. Routine vaccinations were stopped in the U.S. in 1972 because many people experienced side effects and there was almost no risk of getting smallpox. The United States Public Health Service maintains an emergency stockpile of approximately 15 million doses of smallpox vaccine and the federal government has recently accelerated production of a new smallpox vaccine.Related Questions
Winnebago County Health Department - FAQ'sVaccinia virus is similar to smallpox virus, but less harmful. The vaccine can protect people from smallpox. The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus. Getting the vaccine before exposure will protect most people from smallpox. Getting the vaccine within 3 days after exposure can prevent the disease or at least make it less severe. Getting the vaccine within a week after exposure can still make the disease less severe.Related Questions
SMALL POX DEEM -- Lexington-Fayette Urban County GovernmentThe smallpox vaccine is the only way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called "vaccinia," which is similar to smallpox and helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. Past experience indicates that the first dose of the vaccine offers protection from smallpox for 3 to 5 years, with decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts longer. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population by 1980.Related Questions
Jefferson County Health DepartmentCurrently, the vaccine is not available to the general public. Right now, as a precautionary measure, the vaccine will only be available to members of emergency response teams. However, in the event of a smallpox outbreak, everyone will be offered the vaccine.Related Questions
Gratiot County --- Emergency Management : Safety Tips During...The state's top doctor, Michigan Department of Community Health Chief Medical Executive, David R. Johnson, M.D, explains that there have been no recommendations either nationally or from the state for the distribution of vaccines for smallpox or anthrax.Related Questions
What's in the smallpox vaccine?
Smallpox: Frequently Asked Questions about SmallpoxVaccine against smallpox contains another live virus called vaccinia. The vaccine does not contain smallpox virus. The United States currently has an emergency supply of smallpox vaccine. Routine vaccination against smallpox ended in 1972. The level of immunity, if any, among persons who were vaccinated before 1972 is uncertain; therefore, these persons are assumed to be susceptible.
Related QuestionsMany vaccinations are required. Why don’t people have to get the smallpox vaccine?
CDC Smallpox | FAQ About Smallpox VaccineThe last case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949. The last naturally occurring case in the world was in Somalia in 1977. After the disease was eliminated from the world, routine vaccination against smallpox among the general public was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention. (added Nov 13, 2002)
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