Smallpox
Smallpox Overview
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but the disease is now eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949. The last naturally occurring case in the world was in Somalia in 1977.
Read more of the Smallpox Overview
Read about the Vaccination Program
Questions and Answers
How serious is the smallpox threat? How is smallpox spread? How long does a smallpox vaccination last? Is it possible for people to get smallpox
from the vaccination? CDC answers common questions such as these.
Learn answers to frequently asked questions
Smallpox Vaccine Overview
The smallpox vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. Currently, the United States has a big enough stockpile of smallpox vaccine to
vaccinate everyone who might need it in the event of an emergency. Production of new vaccine is underway.
Read more of the Vaccine Overview
People Who Should NOT Get the Smallpox Vaccine (Contraindications)
Because of health risks, the vaccine is not recommended for everyone. People who should not be vaccinated include pregnant women, people with immune
systems problems (due to diseases like AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy), people with certain skin conditions, and people living with someone younger
than a year old.
Find out who should not be vaccinated
Live Virus Vaccines and Vaccinia
The vaccinia virus is the "live virus" used in the smallpox vaccine. It is a "pox"-type virus related to smallpox. When given to
humans as a vaccine, it helps the body to develop immunity to smallpox. The smallpox vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus and it cannot cause
smallpox.
Read more about live virus vaccines and vaccinia
Reactions after Smallpox Vaccination (Side Effects)
For most people, the smallpox vaccine is safe and effective. Most people experience normal, typically mild reactions to the vaccine, which indicate
that it is beginning to work. Some people may experience reactions that may require medical attention.
Find out about side effects of smallpox vaccination
Caring for the Smallpox Vaccination Site
Care must be taken after receiving the vaccination. A scab will form in the spot where the vaccination was given. This scab should be left alone so
that the vaccinia virus in the vaccine doesn't spread to other parts of the body.
Find out more about caring for the vaccination site
Someone You Are Close to Is Getting the Vaccine
If someone you have close, physical contact with (your spouse or partner or other adult family member) is getting the smallpox vaccine, there are
some things you should know.
Find out what to do if a close contact is getting vaccinated
CDC's Smallpox Preparation and Response Activities
CDC is working with others to protect the American public in case smallpox is used as a bioterrorism weapon. These efforts include preparing health
workers and developing plans for responding to outbreaks.
Find out what CDC is doing about smallpox
Additional Resources:
President Announces Smallpox Vaccination Program
On Dec. 13, 2002, the President announced a plan to better protect the American people against the threat of smallpox attack by hostile groups or
governments.
Read more about the President's vaccination program announcement
More Comprehensive Resources for Health Professionals
a href="http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/index.asp" target="_blank">Smallpox Vaccination: In-Depth Information and Resources
