Smallpox vaccine is made from live vaccinia virus and does not contain variola
virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Vaccinia virus is a member of the orthopox
virus family, which includes smallpox (variola), cowpox, monkeypox, gerbilpox,
camelpox and others. When inoculated in the superficial layers of the skin,
the virus grows and induces an immune reaction that serves to protect against
smallpox.
A successful vaccination is often referred to as a "take".
Two vaccines will be used in the coming years:
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Calf-Lymph Vaccine
Dryvax, a stored calf-lymph vaccine manufactured in the 1970’s by Wyeth
Laboratories, is freeze dried (lyophilized) and must be reconstituted to a 1/5
dilution before use.
The vaccine will be distributed to strategic holding centers throughout the
United States and will be used in 2002 to fulfill the CDC recommendations for
immunization of certain teams of investigators and health care workers.
Dryvax has been used in the recent past to immunize laboratory workers.
Note: Dryvax contains antibiotics and preservatives.
Appropriate history of allergies to any of the following should be obtained
and may negate vaccine administration when smallpox is not present:
• Polymyxin B sulfate
• Streptomycin sulfate
• Chlortetracycline hydrochloride
• Neomycin sulfate
If smallpox is present and the risk of contact great, the vaccine
should be administered with subsequent use of an appropriate
antihistamine or other medication.For more information on both
types of vaccines, please visit the In-Depth
Vaccine Information page.
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Tissue Culture Cell Vaccine
As of October 2002, tissue culture cell vaccines are in preparation
by Acambis-Baxter Laboratories.
Two cell lines were selected for propagation of vaccinia virus:
• Vero monkey kidney cells
• Human fibroblast cell line (MRC5)
Several lots of both vaccines have been prepared and are undergoing
testing. It is anticipated that one of these vaccines will supplant
calf-lymph vaccine if a more extensive vaccination program is
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