Smallpox Vaccine
The vaccine itself is not without dangers. Approximately 14-52 out of every 1,000,000 vaccinated will develop a
life-threatening condition, of which 1-2 will be expected to die. For this reason, an intensive pre-screening program is being
implemented to remove those individuals most likely to suffer adverse
reactions from the voluntary phases of the vaccination plan.
Contraindications must be considered not only for the vaccine, but also
for those household members that meet any one of the following criteria:
- Expectant
mothers.
- Persons
with eczema or atopic dermatitis, characterized by an itchy, red,
scaly rash that lasts more than two weeks and often appears
intermittently.
- Persons
being treated for cancer.
- Persons
who are HIV-positive.
- Persons
who have had an organ transplant.
- Persons
who have had a previous reaction to the vaccine or its contents.
- Persons
who have a moderate or severe short-term illness at the time of
vaccination.
- Persons
under the age of one.
The vaccine used to provide protection against
smallpox is made from the live vaccinia virus, NOT the smallpox virus. Thus, an individual that has a disseminated reaction cannot spread
the smallpox virus, but may be able to spread vaccinia to those that have
had direct contact with the vaccination site. For this reason, specific precautions must be taken for the
vaccination site, including maintaining a porous covering that will reduce
the risk of transmitting vaccinia while allowing for proper healing
of the vaccination scar.
Emergency Preparedness Program
Boulder County Public Health
3450 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 413-7500
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