DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed solid tumor that has failed standard therapy, has relapsed, or for which no standard therapy exists Metastatic disease Immunohistological evidence of CEA expression OR CEA greater than 10 at any time HLA-A2 positive if receiving highest dose in each regimen (required for at least 6 patients in each of 3 cohorts but not for all patients) Vaccinia-naive patients allowed No active brain metastasis

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: At least 6 months Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT and SGPT no greater than 4 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min No proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal sediment unless underlying cause is non-renal Immunologic: HIV negative No prior or concurrent altered immune function, immunodeficiency, or autoimmune disease, including: Eczema or other eczematoid skin disorders Acute, chronic, or exfoliative skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, burns, impetigo, varicella zoster, severe acne, or other open rashes or wounds) Addison's disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis Systemic lupus erythematosus Sjogren's syndrome Scleroderma Myasthenia gravis Goodpasture's syndrome Active Graves' disease Gastrointestinal: No inflammatory bowel disease No Crohn's disease No ulcerative colitis No active diverticulitis No frequent vomiting or severe anorexia Neurological: No uncontrolled seizure disorders No encephalitis No multiple sclerosis Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for at least 6 months after study No other serious concurrent medical illness that would preclude study No allergy to eggs or egg products No allergy or untoward reaction to prior vaccination with vaccinia virus Must be maintaining a reasonable state of nutrition, consistent with weight maintenance Must be able to avoid close household contact with persons meeting the following criteria for at least 2 weeks after vaccination: Children under 5 years of age Pregnant or nursing women Individuals with prior or active eczema or other eczematoid skin disorders Individuals with other acute, chronic, or exfoliative skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, burns, impetigo, varicella zoster, severe acne, or other open rashes or wounds) until condition resolves Immunodeficient or immunosuppressed individuals (by disease or therapy), including HIV infection

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior CEA-containing vaccination No other concurrent immunotherapy or biologic therapy Chemotherapy: At least 3-4 weeks since prior cytotoxic therapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy No concurrent systemic steroids except for physiologic doses of systemic steroid replacement

Concurrent local steroids (e.g., topical, nasal, or inhaled) allowed Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to more than 50% of all nodal groups Surgery:

At least 21 days since prior major surgery Other: Recovered from prior therapy