Smallpox Vaccine

[ProudUSNAParent20]

Quick question for all of you. How many recent USNA grads have received the smallpox vaccine? I understand it depends on where you are deployed, but curious as to how they go about determining whether you need it or not.

I ask because my DD, interested in USNA, had eczema when she was 8, but no longer. I have heard of a potentially fatal reaction when people with eczema come in contact with the smallpox vaccine. Do doctors give this vaccine to anyone who doesn’t CURRENTLY have eczema, or do they also not give it to people who EVER HAD eczema?

If any medical people could weigh in, I would appreciate it.

 

[Capt MJ]

I recall filling out various pre-screening forms for certain specialty shots because of where I was going. That was years ago.

Courtesy of google, here’s the 2018 form at link below. Military medicine does due diligence.

https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Forms/2018/02/08/Smallpox-Vaccine-Screening-Form

 

[NavyHoops]

I got it years ago after I graduated and while deployed. I remember them having us fill out a questionnaire and some people didn’t get it because of health concerns. They don’t give it to everyone, only if needed depending on deployments, etc. Two, they give health screenings before things like this and even the flu shot.

 

[usnahopeful09]

Thank you, Capt MJ and NavyHoops. My second question, aimed at someone with a medical background: can the smallpox vaccine be administered to people with a history of eczema, but no longer have it? Does the military administer the vaccine to people who used to have eczema, but no longer do? Thank you.

 

[GoCubbies]

Smallpox vaccine is contraindicated for those with current or history of eczema unless in an emergency (outbreak) situation.

 

[ProudUSNAParent20]

Smallpox vaccine is contraindicated for those with current or history of eczema unless in an emergency (outbreak) situation.

Thank you. One final question: why does USNA allow people who had eczema before the age of 12 attend, if even people with a prior history of eczema shouldn’t get the smallpox vaccine?

 

[GoCubbies]

DQ’ing someone who has a condition that would preclude from getting only 1 of many vaccines that is not a requirement for deployment to many parts of the world wouldn’t make too much sense in my mind.

There could be another reason but the above is the most obvious one to me.