Developing a health problem due to the smallpox vaccine is rare. Smallpox was eradicated more than 30 years ago, so the smallpox vaccine is no longer available to the public. However, a few people still receive this vaccine.
For anyone who has (or had) eczema, it’s important to take some precautions if someone close to you gets the smallpox vaccine.
Anyone who has (or had) eczema should take precautions around someone who has recently been vaccinated against smallpox.
Who gets the smallpox vaccine?
The smallpox vaccine is given to:
With the exception of the live smallpox vaccine, most vaccines are safe for a child who has eczema.
Live smallpox vaccine can lead to serious infection
One type of smallpox vaccine contains a live virus. This live vaccine can cause serious problems for anyone who:
Anyone who has (or had) eczema should avoid:
Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has received the live smallpox vaccine can cause a serious infection known as eczema vaccinatum (EV). This infection develops in people who have (or had) eczema.
While EV is very rare today, it is important for anyone who has (or had) eczema to avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone receiving the live smallpox vaccine. EV can be very serious.
It is necessary to avoid skin-to-skin contact for about 30 days. This is how long it takes for the vaccinated area to scab and the scab to fall off.
When the skin heals and the scab falls off, it is safe to have skin-to-skin contact.
If you have skin-to-skin contact before the scab falls off:
Anyone who develops EV looks very ill and has a fever. These are signs that the person needs immediate medical attention.
Related AAD Resources
References
Reed JL, Scott DE, a. eel. “Eczema Vaccinatum.” Clin Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;54(6):832-40.
Vellozzi C, Lane M, Averhoff F, et al. “Generalized vaccinia, progressive vaccinia, and eczema vaccinatum are rare after smallpox vaccination (vaccinia): United States Surveillance, 2003.” Clin Infect Dis. 2005; 41(5):689-97.
