infections
Smallpox
Prevention of Smallpox
Prevention is the best response to the threat of smallpox. Prevention involves Vaccination Isolation The Prevention is not made from the smallpox virus. Instead, the vaccine contains live vaccinia virus, which is related to the viruses that cause ACAM2000 is a live vaccinia virus that reproduces in the person who receives it. Vaccination with vaccinia virus causes a mild infection and protects people against smallpox. JYNNEOS is a live but weakened (attenuated) vaccinia virus that does not reproduce in the person who receives it. It is approved for prevention of both smallpox and mpox. ACAM2000 vaccine is given with a special type of needle dipped in reconstituted vaccine. The needle is rapidly jabbed 15 times in an area about 5 mm in diameter and with sufficient force to draw a trace of blood. If vaccination is successful, a blister develops at the vaccination site within about 7 days. The vaccine site is covered with a dressing to prevent spread of the vaccine virus to other body sites or to close contacts. Fever, muscle aches, and a general ill feeling are common the week after vaccination. Vaccination with ACAM2000 can be helpful up to 7 days after exposure to smallpox, but it is more effective the sooner it is given. Vaccination with ACAM2000 is dangerous and not recommended for some people, especially those with the following risk factors: Weakened immune system (such as those who have AIDS or who take medications that suppress the immune system) Skin disorders (particularly atopic dermatitis [eczema]) Eye inflammation Heart condition Age under 1 year Pregnancy Rarely, even some healthy people have adverse reactions to this smallpox vaccination. Adverse reactions are less common among previously vaccinated people than among those who have never received the vaccine: About 1 in every 10,000 previously unvaccinated healthy people have serious complications, and 1 in every million die. One in every 4 million previously vaccinated healthy people die from the vaccine. If people have a very severe reaction to the vaccine, doctors may try giving antiviral drugs such astecovirimat,cidofovir, orbrincidofovir. JYNNEOS is administered as 2 injections 4 weeks apart. It is approved for people 18 years of age and older and may have a particular role in vaccinating people for whom ACAM2000 may be dangerous, such as those with a weak immune system or Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) . Vaccination for smallpox is recommended only for people at high risk of exposure, mainly certain military personnel and laboratory technicians and health care workers who give or handle the vaccine and related materials. People with symptoms suggesting smallpox need to be isolated to prevent spread of the infection. Contacts of these people need not be isolated because they cannot spread the infection unless they become sick and develop a rash. However, contacts are watched closely and isolated at the first sign of infection. 