Smallpox Vaccine Live
Class: Vaccines
Brands: ACAM2000
Warning
Suspected cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis have been observed in healthy adult primary vaccinees at an approximate rate of 5.7 per 1000 receiving smallpox vaccine live (ACAM2000).
Encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, encephalopathy, progressive vaccinia, generalized vaccinia, severe vaccinial skin infections, erythema multiforme major (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), eczema vaccinatum resulting in permanent sequelae or death, ocular complications, blindness, and fetal death have occurred following either primary vaccination or revaccination with live, replication-competent vaccinia virus smallpox vaccines.
The risks listed above are increased in vaccinees with the following conditions and may result in severe disability, permanent neurological sequelae, and/or death:
Cardiac disease or history of cardiac disease
Eye disease treated with topical steroids
Congenital or acquired immune deficiency disorders or receiving immunosuppressive therapy
Eczema or history of eczema or other acute or chronic exfoliative skin conditions
Infants younger than 12 months of age
Pregnancy
Smallpox vaccine live contains live vaccinia virus that can be transmitted to individuals who have close contact with the vaccinee and the risks in contacts are the same as those for the vaccinee.
The risk for experiencing serious vaccination complications must be weighed against the risk of experiencing a potentially fatal smallpox infection.
Introduction
Smallpox vaccine live is a live virus vaccine containing replication-competent vaccinia virus derived from a plaque-purified clone of the New York City Board of Health vaccinia strain.
Uses for Smallpox Vaccine Live
Smallpox vaccine live has the following uses:
Smallpox vaccine live is indicated for active immunization against smallpox disease in individuals determined to be at high risk for smallpox infection.
Smallpox Vaccine Live Dosage and Administration
General
Smallpox vaccine live (ACAM2000) is available in the following dosage form(s) and strength(s):
Multiple-dose vial containing lyophilized vaccine and vial containing diluent. After reconstitution with the diluent as directed by the manufacturer, each vaccine vial provides approximately 100 doses; each dose of 0.0025 mL contains 2.5 x 105 to 12.5 x 105 plaque-forming units (PFU) of vaccinia virus.
Dosage
It isessentialthat the manufacturer's labeling be consulted for more detailed information on dosage and administration of this drug. Dosage summary:
Adults
Dosage and Administration
Administer smallpox vaccine live (ACAM2000) only after being trained on the safe and effective administration of the vaccine by the percutaneous route (scarification).
Do not administer intradermally, subcutan...
