What temporary blood donor deferrals does FDA recommend for people who have received the smallpox vaccination?Answer | | | | - For vaccinees without severe complications: Deferral until after the vaccination scab falls off, or 21 days, whichever is longer.
Rationale: People who have been vaccinated may have live vaccinia virus until the immune response is complete (usually by 14-21 days), and until after the vaccine scab has fallen off. Vaccine scabs have been shown to contain infectious virus. - For vaccinees with severe complications: Deferral for 14 days after complete resolution of severe complications.
Rationale: Rarely, vaccinated people develop more extensive infections that can last longer than usual and can be serious. These include localized and progressive spread of infection beyond the vaccination site that may involve the eyes or non-adjacent parts of the skin, as well as widespread infections that may affect internal organs including the brain. A physician would diagnose these conditions. Since in these cases, vaccinia levels in the body may be higher than after uncomplicated vaccination, we recommend deferral of donors for 14 days after complete resolution of these severe vaccine complications.
|
Last revised: March 28, 2007 | 
