Does the smallpox vaccine contain live virus?

The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia which is a “pox”-type virus related to smallpox. The smallpox vaccine contains the “live” vaccinia virus – not dead virus like many other vaccines. For that reason, the vaccination site must be cared for carefully to prevent the virus from spreading.

Is smallpox transferable?

Smallpox spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.

When is smallpox most contagious?

It has an incubation period of between 7 and 17 days after exposure and only becomes infectious once the fever develops. A distinctive rash appears two to three days later. The most infectious period is during the first week of illness, although a person with smallpox is still infectious until the last scabs fall off.

Does the smallpox vaccine prevent you from spreading smallpox?

No. The smallpox vaccine does not contain smallpox virus and cannot spread or cause smallpox. However, the vaccine does contain another virus called vaccinia which is live in the vaccine. Because the virus is alive, it can spread to other parts of the body or to other people from the vaccine site.

Is smallpox like Covid 19?

Smallpox & COVID-19: Similarities and Differences Both smallpox and COVID-19 are novel diseases in their respective timelines. Both spread by inhaling infected droplets, albeit COVID-19 is transmitted through aerosols and surfaces touched by infected people as well.

Is the smallpox vaccine a killed virus?

The smallpox vaccine contains live vaccinia virus, not a killed or weakened virus like many other vaccines. For that reason, people who are vaccinated must take precautions when caring for the place on their arm where they were vaccinated, so they can prevent the vaccinia virus from spreading.