Is there a Medicine or Vaccine (shot) to Prevent Smallpox disease?
There is no medicine to prevent smallpox. However, the smallpox vaccine (shot) is helpful. Vaccine given within 4-7 days after someone is exposed to smallpox virus will prevent or lessen the disease in most people. Protection against smallpox lasts for about 5 to 10 years. It is not clear whether vaccinations received more than 30 years ago (for example in the early 1970’s when smallpox vaccination was routine) would help. Although timely vaccine can prevent smallpox, it can also cause serious side effects in some people. If you have a weakened immune system (from cancer, AIDS, daily steroid use, heart disease, or other drug use that weakens your immune system), if you have eczema or another skin condition, if you are pregnant, or if you are allergic to certain antibiotics (polymixin b or neomycin), the smallpox vaccine can have serious side effects and may not be recommended.
