Vaccinia is the virus that made global eradication of smallpox possible. As a member of the pox virus family, a vaccine containing live vaccinia virus helps your body develop immunity against smallpox. Although routine vaccinations are no longer given, vaccinia vaccines remain readily available because smallpox is a potential bioterrorism agent.
Vaccinia vaccination involves introducing this “live virus” into your upper arm via multiple needle pricks. For most with a healthy immune system, the only noticeable symptom of this vaccine is at the virus introduction site. Typically you’ll develop an itchy bump, followed by a large pus filled blister that dry up, scabs over and then falls off over the course of about 3 weeks. In the end you might be left with a small scar, that will likely fade over time.
Although most healthy folks vaccinated for smallpox with vaccinia experience relatively mild symptoms, it may cause rash, fever, headache and body aches. Yet, serious complications from vaccinia virus can occur. There are some health related circumstances for which smallpox vaccination will not be given, such as:
- history of eczema
- less than a year old
- history of stroke, TIAs
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- heart problems ~ chest pain, dyspnea
- allergic to the vaccine or its components
- have heart disease ~ previous heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy
- weakened immune system ~ on immunosuppressants, have HIV, receiving cancer treatment
So if that is your case or you live with another who endures any of these health situations, then a smallpox vaccination should be carefully evaluated by your health care provider before receiving your vaccinia virus vaccine.
Live virus vaccines are used in measles, rubella, mumps and chickenpox vaccinations as well.