Subject(s)
Education, Medical/history , Pediatrics/history , History, 20th Century , Humans , Pediatrics/education , United StatesSubject(s)
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems/standards , Data Collection/statistics & numerical data , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Smallpox Vaccine/adverse effects , Vaccinia/etiology , Immunization , Safety , Smallpox Vaccine/administration & dosage , Terminology as Topic , Vaccinia/physiopathology , Vaccinia virusSubject(s)
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems/standards , Data Collection/statistics & numerical data , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption/etiology , Smallpox Vaccine/adverse effects , Humans , Immunization/adverse effects , Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption/epidemiology , Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption/physiopathology , Safety , Smallpox Vaccine/administration & dosage , Terminology as Topic , Vaccinia virusABSTRACT
Because smallpox could be a factor in bioterrorism, the United States has provided guidelines for smallpox vaccination of certain members of the population, including health care workers and first responders, as well as military personnel. A plan for more extensive vaccination, if it is needed in the event of a bioterrorist attack, is being developed under the aegis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The characteristics of smallpox vaccine, the technique of administration, and the expected reactions to primary vaccination and revaccination are outlined in this article.
Subject(s)
Health Personnel , Immunization Programs/methods , Military Personnel , Smallpox Vaccine/administration & dosage , Smallpox/prevention & control , Bioterrorism , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Contraindications , Humans , Immunization Programs/legislation & jurisprudence , Smallpox/immunology , United States , VaccinationABSTRACT
Smallpox vaccination of health care workers, military personnel, and some first responders has begun in the United States in 2002-2003 as one aspect of biopreparedness. Full understanding of the spectrum of adverse events and of their cause, frequency, identification, prevention, and treatment is imperative. This article describes known and suspected adverse events occurring after smallpox vaccination.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections/chemically induced , Erythema Multiforme/chemically induced , Keratitis/chemically induced , Smallpox Vaccine/adverse effects , Vaccinia/chemically induced , Health Personnel , Humans , Immunization Programs/methods , Military Personnel , Smallpox/prevention & control , Smallpox Vaccine/administration & dosage , United StatesABSTRACT
Currently, health care workers (HCWs) in the United States are being vaccinated against smallpox, and there is a possibility that this will be expanded to a more widespread vaccination program. Inadvertent transmission of vaccinia virus to patients with illnesses that are contraindications to vaccination is theoretically possible. Vaccinia virus is shed from the vaccination lesion of healthy primary vaccinees from approximately the third day to the end of the third week after vaccination; transmission of vaccinia virus is rare but does occur. Prudent management of the vaccination site by HCWs should virtually eliminate transmission. We recommend that vaccinated HCWs cover the site with loose gauze dressings and, when caring for patients with immunosuppression or extensive disruptive skin disorders, cover the dressings with semipermeable membranes. The evidence for respiratory spread of vaccinia virus is not compelling, and therefore droplet or airborne infection precautions should not be necessary, even for vaccinated HCWs who are caring for patients who experienced serious adverse events after smallpox vaccination in the past.
