About the Vaccine: In-depth Vaccine Information

Dryvax, the stored calf-lymph vaccine manufactured in the 1970’s by Wyeth Laboratories, is freeze dried (lyophilized) and must be reconstituted before use. This vaccine was produced by infection of skin of calves using the New York Board of Health Strain as seed virus.  

Dryvax is now licensed in the United States. Before use, the vaccine is reconstituted with a diluent that contains 50% glycerin and 0.25% phenol. The licensed vaccine is packaged in multiple dose vials which, when reconstituted, will yield 100 doses/vial. 

The licensed vaccine will be used to fulfill the recommendations of the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) for immunization of smallpox public health and healthcare response teams. Dryvax is also used to immunize laboratory workers who require vaccination to safely conduct research activities involving vaccinia or other orthopoxviruses. 

As of October 2002, tissue culture cell vaccines are in preparation by Acambis/Baxter Laboratories. Two cell lines were selected for propagation of vaccinia virus; the NYCBH strain was selected as seed virus. 

Vero monkey kidney cells and a human fibroblast cell line (MRC5) were selected as host cells for the preparation of vaccine. Several lots of both vaccines have been prepared and are undergoing testing using an IND protocol as described above. It is anticipated that one of these vaccines will supplant calf-lymph vaccine if a more extensive vaccination program is implemented.