OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the effect of prime and boost strategies using recombinant fowlpox prostate specific antigen (PSA) vaccine and recombinant vaccinia PSA vaccine on biochemical PSA progression in patients with stage D0 prostate cancer who have completed local treatment. II. Assess the tolerability and toxicity of these prime and boost treatment regimens in these patients. III. Evaluate the effects of these prime and boost treatment regimens on cellular immunity in these patients.