Smallpox Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Smallpox Vaccine?

The 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.

Does It Hurt?

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. Usually on your upper arm, the pricking is not deep, but will cause a sore spot and a couple drops of blood.

Will I Get A Scar?

Here's what to expect from a successful vaccination:
Week 1: You'll develop a red, itchy bump in three or four days that becomes a large blister, filling with puss before it drains away.
Week 2: The blister begins to dry up and a scab forms.
Week 3: The scab falls off, leaving a small scar.

You can click the photo to the right for larger pictures detailing the stages of progression, as published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Can I Get Smallpox From The Vaccine?

The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus, so it can't give you smallpox.

Is It Foolproof?

The vaccine has prevented smallpox infection in 95 percent of those vaccinated. Also, the vaccine is proven to lessen and even prevent infection when you get the shot within a few days of exposure.

Will It Protect Me Forever?

Smallpox vaccination provides a high level of immunity for three to five years. Its protection decreases after that. But if you are vaccinated again later, immunity lasts even longer.

Can Anyone Get Immunized?

Pregnant women should not get the vaccine because it poses a risk to the fetus. Women who are breastfeeding should not get the vaccine either. Children younger than 12 months of age should not get the vaccine and according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, children younger than 18 should only be immunized in emergency situations. Also, you shouldn't get the shot if you are allergic to the vaccine or any of its components.

Are There Any Risks?

The vaccine may cause minor side effects including a sore arm, fever and body aches, but some may experience serious, even life-threatening reactions. People most likely to have serious side effects are those who have had skin conditions even once, especially eczema or atopic dermatitis. People with weakened immune systems are also at risk, like those transplant recipients, cancer patients and those who are HIV positive. Anyone taking medications like steroids that suppress the immune system are also at risk.

Federal health officials are also investigating a possible link between the vaccine and heart risks. In the meantime, they are advising people with heart disease to avoid the vaccination.

Is There Enough Vaccine For Everyone?

The United States currently has enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone in the event of an emergency, but production of new vaccine is ongoing.

Source: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

More On Smallpox From The CDC

Copyright 2003 by NewsNet5.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.