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Some
people are at greater risk for serious side effects from the smallpox vaccine.
Individuals who have any of the following conditions, or live with
someone who does, should NOT get the smallpox
vaccine unless they have been exposed to the smallpox virus:
- Eczema
or atopic dermatitis. (This is true even if the condition is not currently
active, mild or experienced as a child.)
- Skin
conditions such as burns, chickenpox, shingles, impetigo, herpes, severe
acne, or psoriasis. (People with any of these conditions should not
get the vaccine until they have completely healed.)
- Weakened
immune system. (Cancer treatment, an organ transplant, HIV, Primary
Immune Deficiency disorders, some severe autoimmune disorders and medications
to treat autoimmune disorders and other illnesses can weaken the immune
system.)
- Pregnancy
or plans to become pregnant within one month of vaccination.
In addition, individuals should not get the smallpox vaccine
if they:
- Are
allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients (polymyxin B, streptomycin,
chlortetracycline, neomycin).
-
Are younger than 12 months of age. However, the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises against non-emergency use of smallpox
vaccine in children younger than 18 years of age. In addition, the vaccine
manufacturer’s package insert states that the vaccine is not recommended
for use in geriatric populations in non-emergency situations. The term
geriatric generally applies to people age 65 and above.
-
Have a moderate or severe short-term illness. (These people should wait
until they are completely recovered to get the vaccine.)
-
Are currently breastfeeding.
-
Are using steroid drops in their eyes. (These people should wait until
they are no longer using the medication to get the vaccine).
-
Have been diagnosed by a doctor as having a heart condition with or
without symptoms, including conditions such as previous myocardial infarction
(heart attack), angina (chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to the
heart), congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle becomes
inflamed and doesn't work as well as it should), stroke or transient
ischemic attack (a "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like
symptoms but not lasting damage), chest pain or shortness of breath
with activity (such as walking up stairs), or other heart conditions
being treated by a doctor. (While this may be a temporary exclusion,
these people should not get the vaccine at this time.)
- Have 3
or more of the following risk factors: high blood pressure diagnosed
by a doctor; high blood cholesterol diagnosed by a doctor; diabetes
or high blood sugar diagnosed by a doctor; a first degree relative (for
example, mother, father, brother, sister) who had a heart condition
before the age of 50; and, you smoke cigarettes now. (While this may
be a temporary exclusion, these people should not get the vaccine at
this time.)
Again, people who have been directly exposed
to the smallpox virus should get the vaccine, regardless of their health
status.
Don’t
Hesitate!
If offered the smallpox vaccine, individuals should tell their immunization
provider if they have any of the above conditions, or even if they suspect
they might.
For more
about vaccination, see Smallpox
Vaccine.
CDC public response hotline: |
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English:
(888) 246-2675 |
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Español:
(888) 246-2857 |
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TTY:
(866) 874-2646 |
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Page last reviewed July 30, 2004
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