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About the Vaccine
The vaccine is a live virus vaccine of the vaccinia virus. Vaccinia is a ‘pox’ type virus - not smallpox itself. As such, vaccination cannot give the recipient smallpox. By introducing a pox class virus, the body’s natural immune system builds a defense mechanism against all pox type viruses including smallpox.
The vaccine is given in the arm (deltoid area) by use of a bifurcated needle dipped in the vaccine. This needle (looks like a small fondue fork) is then ‘poked’ into the skin 15 times. The vaccination process is 95% effective. However, as the vaccine is a live virus, it can cause certain side effects and there are some conditions that would contraindicate receiving the vaccine.
Contraindications Include But May Not Be Limited To:
- Pregnancy or the potential for immediate pregnancy,
- HIV infection,
- AIDS,
- Women who are breast feeding,
- Eczema,
- Atopic dermatitis,
- People who take immunosuppressive therapy,
- Have other immunosuppressive disorders,
- Transplant recipients.
- Allergies to any of the vaccine ingredients
- Moderate or severe short-term illness. (These people should wait until they are completely recovered to get the vaccine)
Serious Reactions
Unlike the common flu vaccine, in which side effects are extremely rare, the potential for side effects from receiving the vaccine must be considered carefully. It is estimated that for every one million people that receive the vaccine, 1000 will experience non-life threatening side effects such as fever, vaccinia rash, accidental spreading of the vaccinia virus to another person or another part of the body, and a toxic or allergic rash. Of the same one million people vaccinated, between 14 and 52 people will have life threatening reactions and one or two will die. Another consideration is that the vaccination site itself is considered contagious and must be properly covered for two weeks.
The statistical information listed above regarding the smallpox vaccine’s adverse reactions is based on data from two studies conducted in 1968. Adverse event rates in the United States today may be higher because there may be more people at risk from immune suppression and eczema or atopic dermatitis. Rates may be lower for persons previously vaccinated. The Adverse event outcomes associated with reactions may be less severe than previously reported because of advances in medical care.
The Virus Itself
While the facts about the vaccine raise serious concern, the smallpox virus itself is much worse. Based upon numbers available from before the eradication of this disease, it was fatal in approximately 30% of non-vaccinated people who contracted smallpox.
Completely Voluntary
Should your local or state agency request volunteers to participate in Stage 1, only you can decide if vaccination is right for you. Each employee must weigh the risk of receiving the vaccine against the potential benefits. Your company cannot force or otherwise coerce any employee to receive vaccination. If vaccination is offered in your area, it will be under strict guidelines and controls set forth by the local or state health agency. However, if you decide to participate in the Stage 1 voluntary program and a need arises to transport or otherwise care for an individual that is or maybe infected with smallpox, you will be expected to provide care.
Only those individuals should consider volunteering if they:
- Are aware of the risks;
- Have reviewed the contraindications;
- Are willing to follow all guidelines for persons receiving the vaccine; and,
- Are willing to meet the call to duty.
Information for this release was obtained from the CDC and other sources.
For more information visit the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov.
Smallpox Images
Bifurcated needle
Primary Vaccination Site Reaction
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