REVIEW OF CDC POLICIES FOR IMMUNIZATION OF PERSONNEL WORKING WITH OR POTENTIALLY EXPOSED TO VACCINIA VIRUS

Abstract

Vaccinia vaccine, formerly known as smallpox vaccine, is extremely effective in generating immunity to smallpox (variola), and other closely related viruses of the Orthopox genus, such as monkeypox and cowpox. Vaccinia was employed to extirpate smallpox by intensive worldwide immunization. Currently, risk of infection with an orthopoxvirus is significant in laboratories only.The primary purpose of this project was to evaluate the risk of infection for those working with and/or around experiments involving variola and nonvariola Orthopox viruses. The recommendations for the use of vaccinia vaccine were reviewed and clarified. Another objective was to consider the use of smallpox virus as a biological warfare agent. A review of the published guidelines for vaccinia vaccine was conducted. Interviews with experts at the CDC and a tour of the Lawrenceville animal facility served to update risk assessments.

The suggested recommendations for the appropriate use of vaccinia vaccine today were formulated after performing risk assessments by interviewing experts at the CDC and viewing a poxvirus laboratory and the animal facilities. A risk assessment sheet was designed. A vaccinia vaccination information sheet was also designed to help people who are not working directly with the virus make an informed decision regarding vaccination. Additionally, a program for documentation of immunization or refusal of immunization was designed. Another possible use of vaccinia is for the immunization of first responders and civilians in the event of a terrorist attack employing smallpox (variola) as a biological warfare agent.