What is smallpox vaccine made from?
Smallpox vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia. Vaccinia virus is similar to smallpox virus, but less harmful. The vaccine can protect people from smallpox. The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus. Getting the vaccine before exposure will protect most people from smallpox. Getting the vaccine within 3 days after exposure can prevent the disease or at least make it less severe. Getting the vaccine within a week after exposure can still make the disease less severe. Protection from infection lasts 3 to 5 years, and protection from severe illness and death can last 10 years or more.
