Cutaneous responses to vaccinia in individuals with previous smallpox vaccination

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Sep;57(3):442-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.022. Epub 2007 Jun 8.

Abstract

The durability of immune responses to smallpox vaccine is a subject of considerable debate. We compared cutaneous vaccinia responses in patients vaccinated in the distant past with vaccine-naïve individuals using serial close-up photographs. The previously vaccinated group had a significantly reduced time course and milder cutaneous reactions. Vaccinated individuals appear to maintain clinically detectable immunity against vaccinia for at least 20 years after smallpox vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Medical Records
  • Photography
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Smallpox / immunology
  • Smallpox / prevention & control
  • Smallpox Vaccine / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccinia / pathology*

Substances

  • Smallpox Vaccine