NOTE: The vaccinia vaccine does not contain variola (smallpox) virus.
In the event of a smallpox emergency (presumably due to release of a biological weapon):
(1) if the person has not been exposed, then contraindications apply.
(2) if the person has been exposed, then use of the vaccine is recommended, since the risk from natural infection is greater.
Contraindications to the use of live-virus vaccinia vaccine:
(1) history or presence of eczema
(2) presence of an acute, chronic or exfoliative skin condition
(3) immunosuppression (AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, solid organ transplantation, metastatic carcinoma, cellular or humoral immunodeficiency, therapy with high dose corticosteroids, therapy with alkylating agents or antimetabolites, and radiation therapy)
(4) pregnancy
(5) age < 18 years
(6) allergy to vaccine component (currently may include: polymyxin B sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, neomycin sulfate; future preparations may be reformulated)
