What are the risks associated with getting a smallpox vaccination?
Although the vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus, it does contain another virus that can be dangerous. Unless there has been an exposure to smallpox, the vaccine should not be given to pregnant women, children under one year of age, people who are allergic to any of the vaccine components, people with eczema or other serious skin conditions, or those with weakened or compromised immune systems. In March 2003, following reports of heart attacks after vaccination, the CDC began investigating whether the vaccine may be a risk for people with a history of heart disease. Until more information is available, people with certain types of heart disease should not be vaccinated. Side effects from the vaccine may range from pain or fever to encephalitis, serious skin disorders or, in rare cases, death.
