Latest Announcements
As of December, 2002, only military personnel are receiving the vaccine. Medical professionals will receive the vaccine next. In his address in early December, President Bush said there is no imminent threat of a smallpox outbreak. The general public will be able to receive voluntary vaccinations starting in 2004.
It is estimated that of every 1 million vaccinations, 250 would have serious side effects that would require the use of vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) treatment, which counteracts the side effects. On Dec. 17, a company in California announced it is investigating a Japanese version of the vaccine that it says may be safer than the U.S. government's.
Psoriasis Specifics
The CDC is recommending that people with psoriasis (or those with burns, chickenpox or other skin conditions) defer receiving the vaccination until their lesions have cleared. The vaccine has the risk of spreading from the vaccination site to open sores on the body. The CDC may update this information after receiving reports from the military about the vaccine's safety. People should check with their physician about the safety of the vaccine based on their lesion clearance.
Should not voluntarily get the vaccine: People with psoriasis who are currently having flares or are on immunosuppressive therapy, such as Enbrel, Remicade or cyclosporine. Also, because of the possibility of spread, it may not be a good idea for a household member of someone who is immunosuppressed or having flares to receive the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get vaccinated?
The last smallpox vaccine for the general public was in 1972. Immunity from the vaccine wears off in about 10 years.
In the event of an outbreak, the symptoms of smallpox would likely outweigh the slight risk of severe vaccine reaction. The vaccine would still lessen the severity of the side effects if administered a few days after exposure.
What is the vaccine?
The smallpox vaccine contains the vaccinia virus, a live virus that is used to protect against smallpox (variola virus) infection. The vaccine does not cause smallpox infection. However, it does pose a small risk of severe reactions, including death in about 1 in one million vaccinations.
The smallpox vaccine is given with 15 quick punctures on an area of the upper arm that is 0.2 in. (5.1 mm) in diameter. To prevent anyone from coming into accidental contact with the virus, the vaccine site is covered with gauze.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
For people who are not at risk, the side effects include:
- Fever
- Spread of the virus: this happens when the person touches the site of the vaccination, and then touches another part of the body or another person.
- Generalized vaccinia: this is a more extensive rash, sometimes covering the body. In otherwise healthy people, this rash resolves on its own. In severe cases, the person would be treated with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) to counteract the side effects.
Severe reactions to vaccinia vaccination
In people with eczema (active or healed), it may lead to a skin reaction at the vaccination site. This condition is usually mild, and can be successfully treated with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG).
In people with impaired immune systems, the virus can continue to multiply from the vaccination site, breaking down tissue as it progresses. This is called progressive vaccinia (vaccinia necrosum). This condition has been successfully treated with vaccinia immune globulin.
In about 1 in every 300,000 first-time vaccinations, it can lead to postvaccinal encephalitis. Rarely, this can lead to death and permanent brain damage.
Special-risk populations
Pregnant women, people with active or healed eczema, and people with impaired immune systems have an increased risk of developing complications after a smallpox vaccine.
In the event of direct exposure to smallpox (variola), vaccination is recommended, even among people with special-risk status. The risk of developing vaccine complications is far less than the risks associated with smallpox infection.
The CDC is recommending that people with psoriasis defer receiving the vaccination until the lesions have cleared. People who are currently having flares or are on immuno-suppressive therapy, including Enbrel, Remicade or cyclosporine should not get the vaccine. Also, because of the possibility of spread, it may not be a good idea to vaccinate the household/family members of someone who is immunosuppressed.
