Dr. Mandia is the general medical officer at Combat Logistics Battalion 3 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Dr. Buikema is the general medical officer at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Dermatology Clinic in Virginia.
Author disclosures The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
Disclaimer The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. Government, or any of its agencies. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs. Please review the complete prescribing information for specific drugs or drug combinations—including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects—before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.
The smallpox vaccination is unique among vaccinations. It is the only vaccine that is administered via inoculation with a bifurcated needle, requires regular follow-up care, and can be spread to casual contacts.5
It is important for any practitioner administering the smallpox vaccine to be aware of associated AEs. A greater knowledge of the unique challenges with the smallpox vaccine allows for better patient selection that eliminates those with conditions that impair their immune system and improves patient education.
