Should I get vaccinated against smallpox?
NOVA Online | Bioterror | Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. Vaccination is currently not recommended, and the vaccine is not available to healthcare providers or the public. In the unlikely chance a case of smallpox is detected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an emergency supply of vaccine to treat 15 million people. Unlike many vaccines, which take weeks or months to be effective, the vaccine for smallpox is effective if given 2-3 days after exposure and can prevent a fatal outcome even when given 4-5 days after exposure.
Related QuestionsIf I was vaccinated against smallpox before 1980, am I still protected?
NOVA Online | Bioterror | Frequently Asked QuestionsProbably not. Vaccination has been shown to wear off in most people after 10 years but may last longer if a person has been vaccinated on multiple occasions. If health authorities determine that you have been exposed to smallpox or are at risk of infection, they would recommend that you be re-vaccinated immediately.
Related QuestionsWhat happens if I have a contraindication to vaccination and still get vaccinated against smallpox?
Questions and Answers about Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccinatio...If the contraindication is eczema, the risk is that you develop disfiguring disseminated skin lesions, termed "eczema vaccinatum". If the contraindication is HIV/AIDS, there is too little data to be sure about the probability and type of risk, since routine smallpox vaccination stopped in 1972 in the USA and the HIV epidemic was not recognized until 1981.
Related QuestionsShould I be vaccinated for smallpox?
Summa Health System - FAQsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend vaccination against smallpox to prevent the disease in the general public. However, there are currently 12-15 million does in storage and should a local case of smallpox occur, vaccine would be available to those at real risk.
Related QuestionsIf I was vaccinated against smallpox before 1980, can I still get smallpox?
SCDHEC: Public Health Preparedness - Bioterrorism FAQsYes. Generally, the smallpox vaccination remains effective for up to ten years. The vaccination was required for most persons entering school prior to the mid-1970s, and persons receiving the vaccination in the past typically respond most effectively to a re-vaccination. Make a kit of emergency supplies - When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Related QuestionsWhy aren’t people still routinely vaccinated for smallpox?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe 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, and because of the risk of adverse events from the vaccine.
Related QuestionsBioterrorism FAQ - Administration - Cerro Gordo County Depar...Smallpox vaccine is not available. The vaccine is not recommended anyway. There is no confirmed case of smallpox anywhere in the world, so there is no need to be vaccinated against smallpox. Also, there could be severe side effects to the smallpox vaccine. This is another reason we do not recommend vaccination. In the event of an outbreak, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clear guidelines to swiftly provide vaccine to people exposed to smallpox.Related Questions
Will I be quarantined after being vaccinated, exposed to smallpox, or if I develop smallpox disease?
FAQsVaccination will not involve quarantine. The only protection required is proper vaccination site care. You likely will be quarantined if you were exposed to smallpox to ensure that the disease does not develop and spread. Quarantine with respiratory isolation may be applied to those exposed for up to 17 days post-exposure. You will be quarantined if you develop smallpox.
Related QuestionsWho should not be vaccinated?
Vaccines: VPD-VAC/Rotavirus/Vaccine FAQsYour healthcare provider is the best source of information on the benefits and risks of vaccines. Before your child receives a dose of any vaccine, discuss with your healthcare provider any health problems that your child may have and any medications that your child is currently taking or has been prescribed. Also, discuss any concerns you might have about vaccination.
Related QuestionsWhy are health responders being vaccinated against smallpox, but the general public is not?
PC Gov. BDPR - Smallpox vaccine - Frequently asked questionsRecently, the President announced the federal policy on smallpox vaccinations. The plan outlines the phased-in approach to vaccinating specific health care and public health workers who would respond to and treat smallpox cases. These vaccinations could begin in early 2003. However, in the absence of a confirmed case of smallpox anywhere in the world, there is no need for the general public to be vaccinated against smallpox.
Related QuestionsIf smallpox is a potential threat to the U.S., why shouldn't we all get vaccinated?
City of Austin - Health Department - BioterrorismThe vaccine may cause serious side effects. In 1972, the U.S. decided to stop routinely vaccinating its citizens because many people were experiencing side effects, while they had almost no risk of getting smallpox. By 1972, the disease was present only in a few countries of Asia and Africa. Today, health authorities would only recommend vaccination if there was clear evidence that the disease had resurfaced and those in the U.S. were at risk of acquiring infection.
Related QuestionsCounty Of Marin: Health and Human Services - FAQ AnswersThe US government has chosen not to vaccinate the population unless there is an attack, because the vaccine also carries dangers. The vaccine may cause serious side effects. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain an emergency supply of smallpox vaccine. The US has enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone who would need it in the event of a smallpox outbreak. In 1972, the U.S.Related Questions
SPHCM: News, Events, & PublicationsThe vaccine may cause serious side effects. In 1971, the U.S. decided to stop routinely vaccinating its citizens because many people were experiencing side effects, while they had almost no risk of getting smallpox. By 1971, the disease was present only in a few countries of Asia and Africa. Today, health authorities would only recommend vaccination if there was clear evidence that the disease had resurfaced and those in the U.S. were at risk of acquiring infection.Related Questions
Is smallpox contagious? How is smallpox spread?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, smallpox is contagious. Smallpox normally spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. People infected with smallpox exhale small droplets that carry the virus to the nose or mouth of close contacts. The greatest risk comes from prolonged close contact exposure (within seven feet) to an infected person.
Related QuestionsIs smallpox contagious before the smallpox symptoms show?
Frequently Asked QuestionsA person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever (prodome phase), but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off.
Related QuestionsCDC Smallpox | FAQ About SmallpoxA person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever (prodrome phase), but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off. (added Nov 13, 2002)Related Questions
What is smallpox and what should I know about it?
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmallpox is a very serious disease; it is contagious and sometimes fatal. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, which spreads from contact with infected persons. Natural cases of smallpox have been eradicated from the Earth. The last natural case of smallpox was recorded in 1977. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, the U.S.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of smallpox?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe symptoms of smallpox begin with high fever, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps and pus-filled blisters that crust, scab, and fall off after about three weeks, leaving a pitted scar.
Related QuestionsIs smallpox fatal?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout 70 percent of patients infected with smallpox recover. Many smallpox survivors have permanent scars over large areas of their body, especially their face. Some are left blind.
Related QuestionsIs there any treatment for smallpox?
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmallpox can be prevented through the use of the smallpox vaccine. There is no proven treatment for smallpox, but research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Early results from laboratory studies suggests that the drug cidofovir may fight against the smallpox virus. Currently, studies with animals are being done to better understand the drug’s ability to treat smallpox disease. .
Related QuestionsWhat 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.
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