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More Examples of Major or "Take" Reactions to Smallpox Vaccination

Formation by days 6-8 post-vaccination of a papule, vesicle, ulcer, or crusted central lesion, surrounded by an area of induration signifies a response to vaccination; this event is referred to as a major reaction or a "take," and usually results in a scar.

Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination    Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination

Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination    Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination

Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination    Example of a major or "take" reaction to smallpox vaccination

Source: Smallpox Vaccination and Adverse Events Training Module, Logical Images

Comparison of Reactions for First-Time Vaccinees and Revaccinees

As can be seen in the images below, vaccination sites sometimes resolve more rapidly in revaccinees.

Day First-Time Vaccinee Revaccinee
Day 6 Reaction of a first-time vaccinee, day 6 not
available
Day 8 not
available		 Reaction of a revaccinee, day 8
Day 10 Reaction of a first-time vaccinee, day 10 Reaction of a revaccinee, day 10
Day 15 Reaction of a first-time vaccinee, day 15 Reaction of a revaccinee, day 15

Source: Vaccination reactions in vaccinia-naïve and previously vaccinated volunteers in a clinical study of diluted Dryvax smallpox vaccine enrolled at the NIAID-supported Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Units at Saint Louis University in 2002.

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