What is the smallpox vaccine, and is it still required?
The smallpox vaccine is the only way to prevent smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is another "pox"-type virus related to smallpox. The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population. Routine vaccination of the American public against smallpox stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States.

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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?