Smallpox testing site employees were evaluated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the need to revaccinate them from the highly contagious disease.
In 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox was completely eradicated after killing one-third of people infected. However, in 2002 the U.S. government declared smallpox a credible bio threat. The Department of Health and Human Services soon launched a campaign to vaccinate volunteers, healthcare and public professionals. By 2003, the National Smallpox Vaccination Program vaccinated 40,000 people in nine months.
The new study conducted by the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) assessed the risk for exposure and the side effects of the vaccine. It monitored regular revaccination at the U.S. Laboratory Response Network’s testing sites. It’s focus group consisted of 45 workers with a median age of 46 and 20.5 years working at the site. The group was required to take an online survey as part of the study. All workers had at least one vaccination since 2013.
The study concluded that the only side effect reported by 84 percent of workers was skin irritation from dressing worn over the vaccination. The CDC and ACIP also concluded workers handling orthopoxviruses should be revaccinated every three years and other workers be revaccinated only if a small pox outbreak occurs.
The CDC also like to point out that the possibility of a smallpox release has reduced significantly since 2002. There is also the need for more research to test the efficiency of smallpox vaccine.
For more information about smallpox and it’s vaccine, visit this fact sheet released by the CDC.
