Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccine: The Latest Facts

Format: Fact Sheet
Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Expanding the U.S smallpox vaccine supply is a priority of the bioterrorism preparedness plan. Military and other high-risk groups continue to receive the vaccine for smallpox, even though routine smallpox vaccinations ended in 1972. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. However, where the disease does occur, its complications can be life-threatening.

NIAID has updated its Smallpox fact sheet. This resource describes the disease, the vaccine, and details about ongoing NIAID research. Efforts that are under way include ways to reduce complications from vaccination and new, safer vaccines against smallpox.

Next Steps
Read Smallpox by visiting www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/smallpox.htm.