About the Vaccine: General

Smallpox vaccine is made from live vaccinia virus and does not contain variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Vaccinia virus is a member of the orthopox virus family, which includes smallpox (variola), cowpox, monkeypox, gerbilpox, camelpox and others. When inoculated in the superficial layers of the skin, the virus grows and induces an immune reaction that serves to protect against smallpox. 

A successful vaccination is often referred to as a “take”. More information about takes, including pictures, can be obtained by clicking on the “Normal Reactions” link above. 

Two vaccines will be used in the coming years:

Dryvax, a stored calf-lymph vaccine manufactured in the 1970’s by Wyeth Laboratories, is freeze dried (lyophilized) and must be reconstituted with a diluent before use.

The vaccine currently licensed will be used in 2003 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 being used ito immunize laboratory workers who require vaccination to safely conduct research activities involving vaccinia or other orthopoxviruses.

Note: Dryvax contains antibiotics and preservatives. 

Appropriate history of allergies to any of the following should be obtained and may negate vaccine administration when smallpox is not present:

If smallpox is present and the risk of contact great, the vaccine should be administered with subsequent use of an appropriate antihistamine or other medication.

For more information on both types of vaccines, please visit the In-depth Vaccine Information page.

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:

Several lots of both vaccines have been prepared and are undergoing testing. It is anticipated that one of these vaccines will supplant calf-lymph vaccine if a more extensive vaccination program is implemented.