Who should not get the vaccine?
People who should not get the vaccine include anyone who is allergic to the vaccine or any of its components; pregnant women; women who are breastfeeding; anyone under 12 months of age; people who have, or have had, skin conditions (especially eczema and atopic dermatitis); and people with weakened immune systems, such as those who have received a transplant, are HIV positive, are receiving treatment for cancer, or are taking medications (like steroids) that suppress the immune system. (The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP] advises against non-emergency use of smallpox vaccine in anyone under 18 years of age.) These people should not receive the vaccine unless they have been exposed to smallpox.

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1. What should I know about smallpox?
2. How serious is the smallpox threat?
3. What are the symptoms of smallpox?
4. If someone comes in contact with smallpox, how long does it take to show symptoms?
5. Is smallpox fatal?
6. How is smallpox spread?
7. If smallpox is released in aerosol form, how long does the virus survive?
8. How many people would have to get smallpox before it is considered an outbreak?
9. Is smallpox contagious before the smallpox symptoms show?
10. Is there any treatment for smallpox?
11. What is the smallpox vaccine, and is it still required?
12. Should I get vaccinated against smallpox?
13. How is the vaccine given?
14. What is the smallpox vaccine made of?
15. Is it possible for people to get smallpox from the vaccination?
16. Is it possible to get vaccinia, the virus in the vaccine, from someone who has recently been vaccinated?
17. How safe is the smallpox vaccine?
18. Who should not get the vaccine?
19. Should you get the smallpox vaccine if you have a weakened immune system (e.g., you are immunocompromised)?
20. Is there a danger to them (or to an unborn child) if broader vaccination occurs, increasing the potential for contact with vaccinated people?
21. Is there any way to treat bad reactions to the vaccine?