Some people are at greater risk for serious side effects from the smallpox vaccine. If you have any of the following conditions, or live with someone who does, you should NOT get the smallpox vaccine unless you 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, medications to treat autoimmune disorders, and other illnesses can weaken the immune system.)
- Pregnancy or plan to become pregnant within one month of vaccination.
In addition, people 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 old. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also 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 older.
- Have a moderate or severe short-term illness. (They should wait until they are completely recovered to get the vaccine.)
- Are currently breastfeeding.
- Are using steroid drops in their eyes. (They should wait until they are no longer using the medication to get the vaccine.)
Heart Problems? Avoid Smallpox Vaccine
Heart pain (angina) and heart attack have also been reported following smallpox vaccination. However, it is not yet known if smallpox vaccination caused these problems or if they occurred by chance alone (since heart problems are very common). Experts are investigating this question.
As a precautionary step at this time, if you have been diagnosed by a doctor as having heart disease, you should not get the smallpox vaccine – whether or not you are having symptoms.
Heart conditions include:
- Previous myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Angina (chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to the heart)
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
These may be temporary exclusions and could change as more information is gathered.
Again, anyone who has been directly exposed to the smallpox virus should get the vaccine, regardless of his or her health status.
Don't Hesitate!
If you are offered the smallpox vaccine, tell your immunization provider if you have any of the above conditions, or even if you suspect you might. |
