How is the smallpox vaccine given?
The vaccine is given using a bifurcated (two-pronged) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. When removed, the needle retains a droplet of the vaccine. The needle is used to prick the skin 15 times in a few seconds. The pricking is not deep, but it will cause a sore spot and one or two droplets of blood to form. The vaccine usually is given in the upper arm. If the vaccination is successful, a red and itchy bump develops at the vaccine site in three or four days. In the first week, the bump becomes a large blister, fills with pus, and begins to drain. During the second week, the blister begins to dry up and a scab forms. The scab falls off in the third week, leaving a small scar. People who are being vaccinated for the first time have a stronger reaction than those who are being revaccinated.
A. The smallpox vaccine is not given through a shot. A two-pronged (bifurcated) needle with a droplet of the vaccine is used to prick the skin several times in the upper arm. A red, itchy sore spot at the site of the vaccination within 3-4 days is proof that the inoculation was successful; that is, “it took.” A blister develops at the vaccination site and then dries up. A scab falls off in the third week, leaving a small scar. Q. How effective is the smallpox vaccine? A. The smallpox vaccine has been proven to be highly effective. The first dose protects against the disease for three to five years, possibly longer. For people who haven’t been inoculated who are exposed to smallpox, getting vaccinated within four days of exposure may prevent or lessen the severity of the disease in most people. Effective smallpox inoculation led to the global eradication of smallpox in 1980. Q. What if you have already been inoculated? A. People who may have received the smallpox vaccine before 1972 are
The vaccine is given using a two-pronged needle. It is dipped into a vaccine solution and then used to quickly prick a small area on the skin for a few seconds. The pricking is not deep, but it will cause a sore spot and a few drops of blood may appear. The vaccine is usually given on the outside of the upper arm.
