Smallpox Outbreak Control Activities and Strategies

Vaccination Strategy (22:V1:57)

There are essentially 2 groups of people who may receive smallpox vaccine, those already exposed and those not already exposed.

Of those that are already exposed, the goal is to prevent or decrease illness. They must be monitored for smallpox. For those that are already exposed there are NO contraindications for vaccination. The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of the disease.

For those not already exposed, the goal is to prevent illness. Since they have not been exposed they don’t require monitoring for smallpox. In regards to vaccination, if contraindications exist the patient should NOT be vaccinated. Take extra precautions to prevent exposure if unexposed patients can’t be vaccinated because of contraindications.

Priority Groups for Vaccination (22:V1:58-59)

Those with the greatest risk (exposure or imminent exposure to smallpox virus) have top priority for vaccination. This includes: persons targeted by an intentional release, face-to-face contacts with smallpox patients, household members of contacts under surveillance, personnel whose responsibilities will directly expose them to cases or infectious materials (medical, public health responders, etc.) and other essential response personnel (police, military, etc.).

Persons who have not been exposed to smallpox virus may be vaccinated if there is enough vaccine and if there is enough personnel to provide the vaccination services. The top priority for vaccine and vaccination resources should always be to find the contacts and vaccinate them quickly

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