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).

The 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)

The smallpox vaccine is the only way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is another “pox”-type virus related to smallpox but cannot cause smallpox. The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population. Routine vaccination of the American public against smallpox stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. Until recently, the U.S.

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.

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).

Yes. The virus in the smallpox vaccine, the vaccinia virus, can be found at the site of the vaccination until the scab falls off (which usually takes about 3 weeks). Because the vaccine site contains a live virus, vaccinia virus can spread to other people and even to other parts of the body far from the vaccine site.

To 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.

Recent tests have indicated that diluted smallpox vaccine is just as effective in providing immunity as full-strength vaccine. (updated Dec 9, 2002)

Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) provides transient passive immunity and has been used with success in patients with vaccine-associated adverse reactions such as eczema vaccinatum, severe generalized vaccinia, milder forms of progressive vaccinia, and in patients who have experienced severe reactions after inadvertent implantation of the vaccinia virus. VIG is not effective for treating an active smallpox infection and should not be administered in such a setting.

Vaccine 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.

The 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)

There are vaccines that can keep you from getting Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The vaccine for Hepatitis A consists of two shots over 6 months. The Hepatitis B vaccine consists of 3 shots over 5-6 months. To get full protection (immunity) against Hepatitis A or B, you must get all of the shots in each series. Almost everyone infected with Hepatitis A completely recovers in about 4 to 8 weeks. There is no medication for Hepatitis A.

Are there any specific medication safety concerns with regard to prophylaxis and treatment of bioterror-associated infections in children? STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE

CDC has received reports of cardiac events following smallpox vaccinations. Although it is unclear whether or not there is any association between smallpox vaccination and these events, CDC recommends, as a precautionary measure, that individuals who have been diagnosed by a doctor as having a heart condition with or without symptoms should not receive smallpox vaccine at this time.