smallpox vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

What is smallpox vaccine?

The smallpox vaccine is used to help prevent this disease. This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, the smallpox vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving smallpox vaccine?

You may not be able to receive smallpox vaccine if you have severe immunosuppression (a weak immune system) or if you have had a bone marrow transplant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart condition such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or chest pain (angina);
• heart attack, or stroke;
• heart risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure;
• a weak immune system;
• leukemia, lymphoma, or other types of cancer;
• HIV/AIDS;
• a skin disorder such as eczema (atopic dermatitis);
• a skin wound, burn, psoriasis, uncontrolled acne, contact dermatitis, infection such as impetigo, chickenpox, or shingles (herpes zoster);
• a condition for which you have recently used a steroid eye drop or ointment;
• an allergy to neomycin or polymyxin B;
• close contact with a pregnant woman, or anyone who has a weak immune system or a skin disorder such as eczema;
• close contact with an infant younger than 12 months old;
• if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or breastfeeding; or
• if you have recently received cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

How is this vaccine given?

Smallpox vaccine is given using a two-pronged needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to prick the skin several times to deliver the vaccine into the shallow layers of skin. These needle sticks are not deep, but they will cause some soreness and minor bleeding.

Smallpox vaccine usually is given in the skin of your upper arm. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Keep your vaccination sore covered at all times with a gauze bandage held in place with first aid tape, especially while the sore is draining pus. The bandage should allow air to flow through it to keep your vaccination sore dry. Change your bandage often to keep the sore clean and dry.

Do not apply ointments to the sore. Use a waterproof bandage to cover the sore while you are bathing. Apply a dry gauze bandage after bathing.

A vaccination sore can transfer smallpox virus to bandages, clothing, bedding, towels, wash cloths, or furniture. Wear a shirt at all times to cover your vaccination sore while it is healing.

Throw away used bandages in a sealed plastic bag placed in a garbage can that children and pets cannot reach. Do not allow anyone else to handle your used bandages.

Get medical help if someone in your household shows any symptoms of smallpox, such as skin rash, fever, headache, or body aches. These may be signs that the virus has spread to that person or to something in the household that the person has touched.

This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis. Tell any doctor who treats you if you have received a smallpox vaccine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this vaccine is given by a healthcare professional, an overdose of smallpox vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving smallpox vaccine?

Avoid touching the sore and then touching other parts of your body (especially your eyes or genital area) until you have washed your hands.

Do not donate blood for at least 30 days after receiving smallpox vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of smallpox vaccine?

• sudden eye problems or changes in your vision;
• confusion, hallucinations, increased sensitivity to light;
• stiff neck or back, loss of balance or coordination;
• slurred speech, problems with your senses (vision, hearing, smell);
• muscle weakness or paralysis;
• a seizure;
• unexpected or severe irritation, infection, or skin changes where the needle stick was placed;
• an outbreak of skin sores or blisters anywhere on your body; or
• chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heartbeats, or breathing problems.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, redness, swelling, or itching where the vaccine was injected;
• tiredness;
• fever, body ache;
• headache;
• rash; or
• swollen glands.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

What other drugs will affect smallpox vaccine?

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect smallpox vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.