According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, individuals who have any of the following conditions, or live with someone who does, should NOT get the smallpox vaccine unless they have been exposed to the smallpox virus.
CDC’s Contraindications for Smallpox Vaccine
February 1, 2003
CDC’s Contraindications for Smallpox Vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, individuals who have any of the following conditions, or live with someone who does, should NOT get the smallpox vaccine unless they have been exposed to the smallpox virus:
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis. (This is true even if the condition is not currently active, is mild, or was experienced as a child.)
- Skin conditions such as burns, chickenpox, shingles, impetigo, herpes, severe acne, or psoriasis. (People with any of these conditions should not get the vaccine until they have completely healed.)
- Weakened immune system. (Cancer treatment, an organ transplant, HIV, or medications to treat autoimmune disorders and other illnesses can weaken the immune system.)
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant within one month of vaccination.
Individuals also should not get the smallpox vaccine if they:
- are allergic to the vaccine or its ingredients;
- are younger than 12 months of age. However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises against nonemergency use of smallpox vaccine in children younger than 18 years of age;
- have a moderate or severe short-term illness (these people should wait until they are completely recovered to get the vaccine);
- are currently breast-feeding.