2007-05-27 09:09:49 · 5 answers · asked by Julie S 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States. Until recently, the U.S. government provided the vaccine only to a few hundred scientists and medical professionals working with smallpox and similar viruses in a research setting.
I had one years back, so assume I am still immune as small Pox was eradicated, so chances of getting it slim.
2007-05-27 11:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by gillianprowe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) How long does a smallpox vaccination last?
Past experience indicates that the first dose of the vaccine offers protection from smallpox for three to five years, with decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts longer. A report from Europe in the 1970s suggests that people vaccinated 10 or 20 or more years ago have enough immunity to lessen their chance of death if infected. However, these people need another dose of smallpox vaccine to restore their full immunity.
http://www.smallpox.army.mil/resource/qaAll.asp?cID=121
2007-05-27 13:14:22 · answer #2 · answered by dedum 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Vaccinia, which is similar to smallpox virus (variola major and variola minor) and protects against smallpox without causing disease, is good for 5-10yrs. It's only given to scientists and military personnels now.....unless we piss off some country and they use it on us as a bioterrorism weapon
2007-05-27 11:55:48 · answer #3 · answered by DTD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The original cowpox vaccine was good for ~10 yrs.
2007-05-27 10:32:44 · answer #4 · answered by Harmony 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I THOUGHT IT WAS FOREVER.
2007-05-27 11:16:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋