Home

  • Home
    • » e-Newsletters

Report: Smallpox vaccine presents risks to some

Infection Control Monitor, February 11, 2005

People should weigh the risk of serious vaccine complications against the risk of experiencing a fatal smallpox infection in the event of a terrorism attack or exposure, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

A report in the January issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology warns that some people, including those with weakened immune systems, could face an increased risk if they receive the live-virus smallpox vaccine.

Although the smallpox vaccine has been administered safely to millions of people in the past, the report found that some people could suffer serious consequences. People who suffer from active exfoliative conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis face the greatest risk.

The report recommends that people should not receive the vaccine if any member of their household has a weakened immune system because the virus can be transmitted to other people through intimate contact.

Most Popular