Smallpox vaccination, adverse events

Important Note Statistical information about smallpox vaccine adverse reactions is ba.sed on data from two studies conducted in 1968. Adverse event rates in the United States today may be higher because there may be more people at risk from immune suppression (from cancer, cancer therapy, organ transplants, and illnesses such as HIV/AIDS) and eczema or atopic dermatitis. The outcome a.ssociated with adverse events may be less severe than previously reported because of advances in medical care. Rates may be lower for persons previously vaccinated. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Update adverse events following civilian smallpox vaccination—United States, 2003. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2003 52(34) 819-20. 

Some countries have long experience in monitoring adverse events after immunization, starting with smallpox vaccination. 

Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination Local Reactions... 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update Adverse Events EoUowing Civilian Smallpox Vaccination - United States 2003, MMWR, 53(5) 106-107, 2004... 

Vaccination against infectious illnesses provides unseen protection against contagious diseases—afflictions causing permanent disability or even death. Vaccines have been responsible for dramatic decreases in morbidity and mortality secondary to infectious disease, and in the case of smallpox, has globally eradicated a once life-threatening illness.However, while true adverse consequences of vaccination have never exceeded the level of adverse consequences of infection in the absence of vaccination, the public perception of harm secondary to vaccine administration has threatened to overshadow the victory of disease prevention.With the inception and continued evolution of immunization, the number of individuals protected against diseases has steadily increased. Unfortunately, the number of vaccine-related adverse events has also increased proportionally to vac-... 

Beachkofsky TM, Carrizales SC, Bidinger JJ, Hrncir DE, Whittemore DE, Hivnor CM. Adverse events following smallpox vaccination with ACAM2000 in a... 

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