Contraindications for Non-Emergency Vaccine Use are summarized here. Please see the package insert for complete details. Primary vaccination AND revaccination with smallpox vaccine are contraindicated: - For any individuals who are allergic to any component of the vaccine.
- For infants less than12 months of age. Although children were previously routinely immunized when smallpox was a naturally occurring disease, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently advises against non-emergency use of smallpox vaccine in children less than 18 years of age.
- For individuals of any age with eczema or past history of eczema or for those whose household contacts have eczema or past history of eczema.
- For individuals of any age with other acute, chronic, or exfoliative (peeling) skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, wounds, burns, impetigo, or varicella zoster), and for siblings or other household contacts of such individuals.
- For persons of any age receiving therapy with systemic corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and others; ask your physician) at certain doses or immunosuppressive drugs or radiation. Household contacts of such persons should not be vaccinated.
- For individuals with congenital or acquired deficiencies of the immune system, including individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Household contacts of such persons should not be vaccinated.
- For individuals with immunosuppression (e.g., leukemia, lymphomas of any type, generalized malignancy, solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular or humoral immunity disorders, agammaglobulinemia, or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems), or household contacts of such individuals.
- During pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, or for household contacts of pregnant women.
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